What mechanism primarily causes the cardiovascular effects of pancuronium?

Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that primarily causes muscle relaxation during surgical procedures. Its cardiovascular effects are a result of both vagal blockade and sympathetic stimulation.

In this context, the vagal blockade reduces parasympathetic tone, which can lead to an increase in heart rate. On the other hand, sympathetic stimulation can enhance heart rate and contractility by increasing catecholamine levels. This combination results in a complex cardiovascular profile with the potential for increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Understanding this mechanism is essential because it helps predict how pancuronium may affect patients with underlying cardiac issues or autonomic dysregulation.