Afterload

Definition

Afterload is the pressure the heart must work against to eject blood during systole. It is primarily determined by vascular resistance in the arteries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Afterload is influenced by arterial blood pressure and vascular tone.
2. Increased afterload can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy over time.
3. Medications like vasodilators are used to decrease afterload in patients with heart failure.
4. Afterload reduction can improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms of heart failure.
5. Conditions such as hypertension and aortic stenosis increase afterload.

Review Questions

• What factors influence afterload?
• How does increased afterload affect the heart?
• Which types of medications are commonly used to manage high afterload?

Related terms

Preload: The initial stretching of cardiac myocytes prior to contraction, related to venous return.

Cardiac Output: The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, influenced by both preload and afterload.

Vasodilators: Medications that dilate blood vessels, decreasing vascular resistance and afterload.