Which symptom is the major manifestation of pheochromocytoma?

Which symptom is the major manifestation of pheochromocytoma?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hypertension
• C. Arrhythmia Only
• D. Normal Blood Pressure

Answer: (B)

Pheochromocytoma drives a surge of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, which causes rapid vasoconstriction and increased heart rate and contractility. This makes high blood pressure the defining, most consistent sign—often presenting as episodic (paroxysmal) hypertension with headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Hypotension would be unlikely because the catecholamine surge tends to raise pressure. Normal blood pressure would miss the characteristic crises. Arrhythmias can occur due to the excess catecholamines, but they’re not the primary manifestation.

Pheochromocytoma drives a surge of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, which causes rapid vasoconstriction and increased heart rate and contractility. This makes high blood pressure the defining, most consistent sign—often presenting as episodic (paroxysmal) hypertension with headaches, sweating, and palpitations.

Hypotension would be unlikely because the catecholamine surge tends to raise pressure. Normal blood pressure would miss the characteristic crises. Arrhythmias can occur due to the excess catecholamines, but they’re not the primary manifestation.