Hydralazine is in a class of medications called vasodilators. Doctors may prescribe it for hypertension or high blood pressure. While it helps lower blood pressure, hydralazine can actually increase heart rate.
If you have hypertension, your doctor may suggest taking hydralazine to keep it in check. Before taking the medication, you may wish to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor.
Tachycardia is the medical term for a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute in adults. Taking hydralazine can cause tachycardia. If this happens, a doctor may prescribe another medication, such as a beta-blocker, to help lower your heart rate.
Hydralazine works by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. By stimulating the heart, hydralazine can cause
an increase in heart rate.
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Aside from an increased heart rate, hydralazine can cause other side effects. It’s best to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor before beginning the medication.
In some cases, severe side effects may develop. These can include:
muscle pain
joint pain
chest pain
rapid heartbeat
fainting
swelling in your feet or ankles
fever
It is important to seek immediate medical help if you develop serious side effects.
When might doctors recommend hydralazine?
Doctors recommend hydralazine for hypertension or high blood pressure. They will typically prescribe oral hydralazine for primary hypertension or essential hypertension.
You may require hydralazine intravenously to quickly reduce high blood pressure in an emergency situation.
When combined with isosorbide dinitrate, hydralazine may also be suitable for treating eclampsia along with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
What medications can treat an increased heart rate?
Although hydralazine does not lower heart rate, doctors can recommend other medications for an increased heart rate, irregular heart rate, or atrial fibrillation.
If hydralazine is responsible for increased heart rate, your doctor may recommend changing your blood pressure medication or taking medication alongside it to manage your heart rate.
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You may wish to contact your doctor if you currently take hydralazine and have questions about your current treatment plan. You may wish to discuss any mild side effects you are experiencing.
If you are experiencing any more severe side effects, it is important to seek more immediate medical help. These can include side effects such as chest pain, swelling, and fainting.
You should also seek medical help if you experience symptoms of a rapid heart rate or tachycardia. These can include:
shortness of breath
fatigue
nausea
discomfort or pain in the chest
a fluttering sensation in the chest
palpitations
dizziness or lightheadedness
syncope or fainting
In severe cases, tachycardia can cause cardiac arrest or unconsciousness.
Summary
Hydralazine is a vasodilator medication doctors may prescribe to treat high blood pressure. An increased heart rate is a possible side effect.
If you experience an increased heart rate when taking hydralazine, a doctor may recommend medications to lower your heart rate. Examples include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
It’s best to let your doctor know if you are experiencing any side effects of hydralazine, including an increased heart rate. Symptoms of a rapid heart rate or tachycardia include shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in your chest, dizziness, palpitations, fainting, and more.
