Which patient demographic has a higher likelihood of experiencing tachycardia related to beta2-agonist medication?

The elderly population is more likely to experience tachycardia related to beta2-agonist medications due to several physiological factors that come into play with age. As individuals age, there are often changes in drug metabolism and clearance due to decreased hepatic and renal function. Additionally, older adults may have more comorbidities, leading to polypharmacy, which can exacerbate the cardiovascular effects of medications like beta2-agonists.

Moreover, older patients tend to have a higher baseline heart rate and increased sensitivity to adrenergic stimuli. Beta2-agonists stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors, which can lead to tachycardia as a side effect. Given the age-related changes in cardiovascular health and medication responses, elderly patients are at a greater risk for experiencing this particular side effect.

In contrast, younger demographics, including children and young adults, generally have more robust cardiovascular systems that can handle these medications without a similarly pronounced tachycardic response. Pregnant women might experience changes in cardiovascular dynamics due to increased volume and hormonal influences, but this population does not demonstrate the same heightened risk for tachycardia as seen in the elderly. Thus, the correct answer highlights the increased vulnerability of older adults when administering beta2-agon