Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
afterload reduction
Pharmacological or mechanical decrease in the resistance against which the heart must pump, typically achieved with vasodilators.
Full Definition
The therapeutic reduction of systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure to decrease the workload on the left ventricle and improve cardiac output. In cardiac anesthesia, afterload reduction is commonly achieved using vasodilators such as nitroprusside, nicardipine, or clevidipine. This intervention is particularly important in patients with aortic insufficiency, dilated cardiomyopathy, or those experiencing difficulty separating from cardiopulmonary bypass due to poor ventricular function.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun.
In Context
- "Aggressive afterload reduction with nicardipine facilitated successful separation from bypass." — Operative report
- "The protocol emphasizes afterload reduction in patients with severe mitral regurgitation." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
SVR reduction
vasodilation
Contrasted with
afterload increase
vasoconstriction
Don't confuse with
preload reduction