Q. Which of the following are causes of increased heart rate in acute stroke?
Common implications of not recognising abnormal HR or rhythm include;
- Progressive deterioration in stability of the cardiovascular system
- Potential to lead to changes in blood pressure
- Low blood pressure leading to poor perfusion of important organs e.g. brain, kidney, skin
Responses and actions if changes in heart rate/rhythm
- The detection of tachycardia requires clinical examination and investigation of the patient to look for causes of tachycardia outlined above.
- Correct identification of cause of tachycardia and appropriate treatment required to bring heart rate back to normal range
Q. Which of the following are causes of increased heart rate in acute stroke?
Correct Answers
Rising temperature can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. After acute stroke Jean could have aspirated and be developing a chest infection resulting in fever.
Pain can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. Jean fell when she had her stroke and could have suffered injury ranging from soft tissue injury to a fracture.
Stress and anxiety can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. Jean might well be frightened and scared with a resulting stress response leading to tachycardia.
Internal bleeding can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. Jean might have internal bleeding relating to many causes e.g. peptic ulcer disease, and further investigations may be required to determine the cause.
Impending hypotension can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. Jean could have had any one or a combination of dehydration, sepsis and hypovolaemia.
Arrythmia can cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients. Jean could have had the onset of atrial fibrillation with her stroke.
Wrong Answers
Hiccups do NOT cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients.
Double vision does NOT cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients.
History of smoking does NOT cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients.
High cholesterol does NOT cause increased heart rate in acute stroke patients.
Other causes of a tachycardia in stroke patients include infection, heart failure and pulmonary embolism.
Page last reviewed: 23 Apr 2020
