During the electroconvulsive therapy procedure, which physiologic change is commonly observed?

During the electroconvulsive therapy procedure, which physiologic change is commonly observed?

• A. Hypotension and bradycardia
• B. Increased heart rate and blood pressure during the procedure
• C. Hypoxemia
• D. Seizure suppression

Answer: (B)

During electroconvulsive therapy, the key physiologic change is a transient autonomic surge that raises heart rate and blood pressure. The brief electrical stimulus triggers a generalized seizure and a sympathetic outflow with catecholamine release, causing a rapid rise in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. This hemodynamic response typically peaks at seizure onset and then returns toward baseline once the seizure resolves. While this is generally well tolerated under anesthesia with proper monitoring, it can be more significant in patients with cardiovascular disease. Seizure suppression does not occur—the procedure intentionally induces a seizure. Hypoxemia can happen with airway issues but is not the characteristic, common change described here.

During electroconvulsive therapy, the key physiologic change is a transient autonomic surge that raises heart rate and blood pressure. The brief electrical stimulus triggers a generalized seizure and a sympathetic outflow with catecholamine release, causing a rapid rise in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. This hemodynamic response typically peaks at seizure onset and then returns toward baseline once the seizure resolves. While this is generally well tolerated under anesthesia with proper monitoring, it can be more significant in patients with cardiovascular disease. Seizure suppression does not occur—the procedure intentionally induces a seizure. Hypoxemia can happen with airway issues but is not the characteristic, common change described here.