What is the reflex response caused by vasodilators stimulating baroreceptors?

The reflex response caused by vasodilators stimulating baroreceptors typically results in tachycardia. When vasodilators are administered, they lower systemic vascular resistance, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Baroreceptors, which are sensitive to changes in blood pressure, detect this drop and initiate a compensatory mechanism.

As blood pressure decreases, the baroreceptors send signals to the central nervous system to activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This reflex mechanism serves to help maintain adequate blood flow and pressure despite the vasodilation effect.

Understanding this physiological response is essential in critical care settings, as managing blood pressure and heart rate effectively can greatly influence patient outcomes during treatment with vasodilators.