What cardiovascular effect is commonly associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

The use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is commonly associated with tachycardia, which is an increased heart rate. This effect occurs due to the blockade of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, leading to an increase in the availability of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. The increased norepinephrine can stimulate the heart and result in a faster heart rate.

In addition, TCAs can also have anticholinergic effects, which can further contribute to an elevated heart rate by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system's influence on heart rate regulation. This combination of mechanisms makes tachycardia a notable cardiovascular effect when using these medications.

Other potential effects of TCAs, like hypotension, bradycardia, and dysrhythmia, can occur but are less common. Hypotension is more typically associated with the orthostatic effects of TCAs, especially in older populations, while bradycardia is not usually a direct effect of these medications. Dysrhythmias can occur, particularly in the context of overdose, but tachycardia remains the primary and most commonly recognized cardiovascular response with therapeutic use.