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Multiple Choice

Which symptom is commonly associated with pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma causes excess catecholamine release, which raises blood pressure by increasing vascular tone and heart rate. The hallmark is hypertension, often occurring in spells with headaches, sweating, and palpitations due to episodic surges of norepinephrine and epinephrine that tighten vessels and accelerate the heart. Hypotension would go against the vasoconstrictive effects of catecholamines. Hypoglycemia is not typical here, as these hormones usually raise glucose levels. Bradycardia is unlikely because the sympathetic surge tends to produce tachycardia, not slow heart rate. So, hypertension best fits the common presentation of pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytoma causes excess catecholamine release, which raises blood pressure by increasing vascular tone and heart rate. The hallmark is hypertension, often occurring in spells with headaches, sweating, and palpitations due to episodic surges of norepinephrine and epinephrine that tighten vessels and accelerate the heart.

Hypotension would go against the vasoconstrictive effects of catecholamines. Hypoglycemia is not typical here, as these hormones usually raise glucose levels. Bradycardia is unlikely because the sympathetic surge tends to produce tachycardia, not slow heart rate.

So, hypertension best fits the common presentation of pheochromocytoma.