Which statement about tachycardia in ARDS is accurate?

• A. It is rare in ARDS.
• B. It is commonly seen during severe distress.
• C. It is caused by hypotension.
• D. It is unrelated to respiratory distress.

Answer: (B)

In ARDS, severe distress triggers a systemic stress response that often shows up as tachycardia. The lungs’ inability to oxygenate well leads to hypoxemia, which pushes the body to increase cardiac output by raising heart rate. Fever, pain, agitation, and the inflammatory state (often with sepsis) further activate the sympathetic nervous system, accelerating the heart. Even the effects of treatment, such as positive-pressure ventilation with PEEP, can reduce venous return and preload, prompting the heart to beat faster to maintain perfusion. Because of these combined factors, tachycardia is commonly seen during severe ARDS. It’s not rare, it’s not primarily caused by hypotension, and it’s not unrelated to respiratory distress.