A 28-year-old female has a high heart rate after consuming energy drinks. What should you suspect is causing her complaint?

In the scenario presented, the high heart rate observed in the 28-year-old female after consuming energy drinks can be attributed to tachycardia. This condition is characterized by an elevated heart rate, typically defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, which can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This stimulation raises heart rate as the body reacts to the sudden influx of stimulants.

In the context of consuming energy drinks, tachycardia serves as a physiological response to the stimulants present. The body’s natural response to these substances typically induces increased heart rate to help manage heightened energy levels and metabolic demands. The focus here is that tachycardia is a direct response to the intake of these substances, making it the most pertinent condition to consider in connection with her complaint of a high heart rate.

While increased cardiac output may be a result of tachycardia, it doesn't directly address the primary symptom of her elevated heart rate. Stroke and neurogenic shock are unrelated to the immediate effects of energy drink consumption and would typically present with additional, more severe symptoms. Thus, the diagnosis of tachycardia fits the situation best as it directly corresponds to the symptom exhibited