What type of effect does atropine have on the heart?

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Multiple Choice

What type of effect does atropine have on the heart?

Explanation:
Atropine increases heart rate by blocking parasympathetic (vagal) input to the heart. It antagonizes muscarinic receptors (mainly M2) on the SA node, so the acetylcholine-mediated slowing is removed. The SA node fires more quickly, giving a positive chronotropic effect (increased rate). It doesn’t primarily boost contraction strength (inotropy) or dictate conduction speed (dromotropy), though blocking vagal influence can modestly affect AV conduction at higher doses.

Atropine increases heart rate by blocking parasympathetic (vagal) input to the heart. It antagonizes muscarinic receptors (mainly M2) on the SA node, so the acetylcholine-mediated slowing is removed. The SA node fires more quickly, giving a positive chronotropic effect (increased rate). It doesn’t primarily boost contraction strength (inotropy) or dictate conduction speed (dromotropy), though blocking vagal influence can modestly affect AV conduction at higher doses.

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