What might be the best explanation for the patient’s unusually high pulse?

• A. Ibuprofen
• B. Lansoprazole
• C. Caffeine
• D. Alcohol

Answer: (B)

A medication-related electrolyte disturbance can raise the heart rate. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole can reduce intestinal magnesium absorption, leading to hypomagnesemia. Magnesium helps regulate cardiac ion channels and stabilizes heart muscle membranes; when magnesium is low, the heart can become more excitable and tachycardia or other tachyarrhythmias may occur. This makes lansoprazole a plausible explanation for an unusually high pulse, especially if the patient has been on the medication for a while. While caffeine or alcohol can momentarily raise heart rate, they don’t typically cause the kind persistent electrolyte-related effect seen with prolonged PPI use. If tachycardia is observed, review medications and consider checking magnesium levels.