Which symptom is associated with stimulant intoxication and can indicate arrhythmia risk?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Sedation
• C. Bradykinesia
• D. Tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia

Answer: (D)

Stimulant intoxication triggers heightened sympathetic activity, which drives faster heart rate and higher blood pressure, increasing the heart’s oxygen demand. The symptom that best signals arrhythmia risk in this state is tachycardia, often with palpitations. When the heart is beating rapidly, the electrical system can become unstable, making ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias more likely, especially in people with underlying heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or very high stimulant exposure. That’s why tachycardia is the key indicator here. Hypotension isn’t typical for stimulant effects and suggests different patterns of overdose; sedation and bradykinesia are not characteristic of stimulant intoxication.