Increased afterload (e.g. ,hypertension)
A)is usually caused by arteriolar dilation.
B)increases the work of the heart.
C)can only occur when preload increases.
D)is usually caused by intense parasympathetic (vagal) discharge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Afterload is the resistance that the heart has to pump against in order to eject blood into the arteries. Increased afterload, such as in hypertension, means that the arteries are more constricted and the heart has to work harder to overcome this resistance. Therefore, option B is correct. Option A is incorrect because arteriolar dilation would actually decrease afterload. Option C is incorrect because preload and afterload are two different concepts. Option D is incorrect because parasympathetic discharge usually reduces heart rate and contractility, which would decrease afterload rather than increase it.

Increased Afterload (E.g. ,Hypertension)