Which symptom is commonly observed in patients going through alcohol withdrawal?

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Tachycardia is commonly observed in patients going through alcohol withdrawal due to the body's response to the absence of alcohol. When an individual who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking, physiological changes occur, including an increase in the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. This response can lead to an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia.

In alcohol withdrawal, the central nervous system, which adapts to the sedating effects of alcohol, becomes hyper-excitable when alcohol is withdrawn. The resultant neurochemical imbalances can manifest in various autonomic symptoms, including increased heart rate. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor vital signs in patients experiencing withdrawal, as these symptoms can indicate the severity of the withdrawal and the potential risk for more serious complications, like delirium tremens.

While hypertension is also associated with alcohol withdrawal, it is typically less definitive as a symptom compared to tachycardia. On the other hand, bradycardia and hypotension do not align with the common physiological responses seen during alcohol withdrawal and are not typically observed in these patients.

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