Vasodilaters

Question 1

preload

Answer 1

Blood that enters the heart during diastole- stored in the veins- drugs that dilate veins reduce preload

Question 2

afterload

Answer 2

force exerted on the heart while pumping- pressure in the arterioles. Dilating arterioles reduces afterload.

Question 3

hydralazine dilates

Answer 3

the arterioles

Question 4

Nitroglycerin dilates

Answer 4

the veins

Question 5

sodium nitroprusside dilates

Answer 5

the arterioles and veins

Question 6

Side effects of vasodilators

Answer 6

postural hypotension
reflex tachycardia (may use with a beta blocker)
expansion of blood volume- may need a diuretic

Question 7

Hydralazine mechanism and effects

Answer 7

dilates arterioles
Used for:
Essential hypertension
Hypertensive crisis
Pre-eclampsia (safe and effective for bringing down BP)

Question 8

Hydralazine adverse effects

Answer 8

Reflex tachycardia

Increased blood volume (kidney releases renin due to decreased perfusion)

Question 9

Minoxidil (Loniten)

Answer 9

Selective dilation of arterioles
Severe side effects
Used for severe hypertension unresponsive to safer drugs

Question 10

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Answer 10

Fastest-acting antihypertensive agent
Causes venous and arteriolar dilation
Immediate onset
Used for hypertensive emergencies