Which combination of physiological changes is associated with cocaine use?

Which combination of physiological changes is associated with cocaine use?

• A. Slower heart rate and dilated vessels, with rising temp/BP
• B. Only mood changes
• C. Accelerated heart rate and constricted vessels, with rising body temperature and blood pressure
• D. No cardiovascular effects

Answer: (C)

Cocaine acts as a powerful stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system, so it pushes the body toward faster heart activity, tighter blood vessels, and higher body temperature and blood pressure. It does this mainly by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine (and other monoamines) at nerve endings, leaving more of these chemicals to stimulate the heart and vessels. That combination—accelerated heart rate, vasoconstriction, and rises in temperature and blood pressure—fits cocaine use precisely. Slower heart rate with dilated vessels would suggest a different autonomic pattern, mood changes alone don’t capture the physical changes, and having no cardiovascular effects isn’t accurate for cocaine.

Cocaine acts as a powerful stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system, so it pushes the body toward faster heart activity, tighter blood vessels, and higher body temperature and blood pressure. It does this mainly by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine (and other monoamines) at nerve endings, leaving more of these chemicals to stimulate the heart and vessels. That combination—accelerated heart rate, vasoconstriction, and rises in temperature and blood pressure—fits cocaine use precisely. Slower heart rate with dilated vessels would suggest a different autonomic pattern, mood changes alone don’t capture the physical changes, and having no cardiovascular effects isn’t accurate for cocaine.