And heart rate

Methyldopa. Methyldopa reduces arterial blood pressure by decreasing adrenergic outflow and decreasing total peripheral resistance and heart rate having no change in cardiac output. Blood flow to the kidneys is not changed and that to the heart is increased. It causes regression of myocardial hypertrophy. 

Cromakalim. Cromakalim has along half-life (254). Cromakalim at an oral dose of 1.5 mg ia humans significantly lowers blood pressure 19/12 mm Hg (systohc/diastoHc pressure). It iacreases reaal blood flow, PRA, and heart rate. Cromakalim has bronchodilating activity that is beneficial for hypertensive asthmatic patients. Because of some undesirable effects seen ia cardiac papillary muscles of animals oa long-term treatmeat, future clinical trials are to be carried out usiag the active enantiomer, lemakalim (BRL 38227). 

Muscle spasm, fever, nausea, vomiting, kicking movements, weakness, depression, body aches, weight loss, severe backache, abdominal and leg pains, hot and cold flashes, insomnia, repetitive sneezing, increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate... 

YuXC et al. (2001) Cardiac effects of the extract and active components of Radix stephaniae tetrandrae II. Myocardial infarct, arrhythmias, coronary arterial flow and heart rate in the isolated perfused rat heart. Life Sci 68(25) 2863-2872... 

In randomized, controlled, clinical trials, calcium channel blockers were as effective as p-blockers at preventing ischemic symptoms. Calcium channel blockers are recommended as initial treatment in IHD when /3-blockers are contraindicated or not tolerated. In addition, CCBs may be used in combination with /3-blockers when initial treatment is unsuccessful. However, the combination of a (1-blocker with either verapamil or diltiazem should be used with extreme caution since all of these drugs decrease AV nodal conduction, increasing the risk for severe bradycardia or AV block when used together. If combination therapy is warranted, a long-acting dihydropyridine CCB is preferred. (3-Blockers will prevent reflex increases in sympathetic tone and heart rate with the use of calcium channel blockers with potent vasodilatory effects. 

Monitor for improvement of symptoms in patients with active IBD, such as reduction in the number of daily stools, abdominal pain, fever, and heart rate. 

Because p-blockers decrease blood pressure and heart rate, they should be started at low doses to increase tolerability. Propranolol is hepatically metabolized, and its half-life and pharmacologic effects are prolonged in portal hypertension. A reasonable starting dose of propranolol is 10 mg two to three times daily. 

Traditional CNS stimulants have the potential to increase blood pressure and heart rate when used long term. In addition, excessive CNS stimulation can cause tremors and tics and can carry over into evening hours, where initiation of normal nighttime sleep can be disrupted. Caution should be used in patients with underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease and in patients with a history of seizures because stimulants may lower the seizure threshold. 

Monitor vital signs (i.e., temperature and heart rate) and laboratory assessments (i.e., WBC count) daily to assess resolution of infection and efficacy of pain medications. When possible, interview the patient to obtain additional information about pain control. 

At each follow-up visit, compliance with a healthy lifestyle should be determined, as well as measurement of physical parameters, including weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Waist circumference should be measured intermittently. A complete assessment also would include identification of adverse drug reactions or drug interactions if weight-loss medications have been initiated. 

MacDougall, J. M., Musante, L., Castillo, S., and Acevedo, M.C., Smoking, caffeine, and stress Effects on blood pressure and heart rate in male and female college students. Health Psychology 7, 461-478, 1988. 

Rizzo, A. A., Stamps, L. E., Fehr, L. A., Effects of caffeine withdrawal on motor performance and heart rate changes. International Journal of Psychophysiology 6(l), 9-14, 1988. 

The most common physiological effects of placebos are those that are associated with changes in subjective experience. When placebo stimulants make people feel energized and alert, for example, they also increase their blood pressure and heart rate,... 

Scholey AB, Moss MC, Neave N and Wesnes KA (1999). Cognitive performance, hyperoxia and heart rate following oxygen administration in healthy young adults. Physiology and Behavior, 67, 783-789. 

Benton D, Donohoe RT, Sillance B and Nabb S (2001). The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor. Nutritional Neuroscience, 4, 169-178. 

---