Question
Which of the following agent decreases cardiac afterload?
| A. |
Nicorandil
|
| B. |
Glyceryl trinitrate
|
| C. |
Isosorbide dinitrate
|
| D. |
None
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � A
Explanation
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|
Nicorandil reduces afterload and preload, while in the coronary circulation it dilates both the large epicardial and smaller resistance vessels. Because Nicorandil is an arteriolar dilator and hence primarily decreases afterload.
Hydralazine and minoxidil reduce afterload by relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle. The venodilators and diuretics are used to decrease preload. The venodilators include nitroglycerine and isosorbide dinitrate. Drugs that reduce both preload and afterload include nitroprusside, prazosin, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
