When assessing a patient with dyspnea, what vital sign change would likely indicate cardiac distress?

Increased heart rate can be a significant indicator of cardiac distress, especially in a patient presenting with dyspnea. When the heart is under stress, it compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues. This response can occur due to various cardiac issues, including myocardial ischemia, heart failure, or arrhythmias, which might lead to a patient experiencing difficulty in breathing.

While other vital sign changes such as decreased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, and elevated temperature could also indicate various medical conditions, an increased heart rate specifically highlights the heart's attempt to respond to compromised cardiac function. It is essential for EMTs and healthcare providers to recognize this vital sign change, as it can guide further assessment and treatment for the underlying issues causing the dyspnea.