Which of the following is a common symptom of pheochromocytoma?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a common symptom of pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma causes excess catecholamine release, leading to increased vascular tone and heart rate. That combination typically presents as high blood pressure plus heart racing or palpitations, often with episodic symptoms like headaches, sweating, and anxiety. So hypertension with palpitations fits the classic presentation. The other options don’t fit the pattern: low blood pressure with slow heart rate isn’t characteristic of a catecholamine-secreting tumor; jaundice with right upper quadrant tenderness points to liver or biliary disease; a persistent cough with wheeze suggests a respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD.

Pheochromocytoma causes excess catecholamine release, leading to increased vascular tone and heart rate. That combination typically presents as high blood pressure plus heart racing or palpitations, often with episodic symptoms like headaches, sweating, and anxiety. So hypertension with palpitations fits the classic presentation.

The other options don’t fit the pattern: low blood pressure with slow heart rate isn’t characteristic of a catecholamine-secreting tumor; jaundice with right upper quadrant tenderness points to liver or biliary disease; a persistent cough with wheeze suggests a respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD.

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