Hypertension and Tachycardia During Electroconvulsive Therapy: To Treat or Not to Treat?

ECT is associated with hypertension and tachycardia for a brief period of time. In some patients, as those with severe cardiovascular disease, reduced intracranial compliance, and vascular pathology that may precipitate hemorrhage, it is reasonable to modify the cardiovascular response. Various techniques are reviewed and a method of control in use in our practice is recommended for its efficacy and safety.