Question
Best index to measure cardiac afterload is:
| A. |
Mean arterial pressure |
| B. |
LV end diastolic pressure |
| C. |
LV mean systolic pressure |
| D. |
Total peripheral resistance |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � D Explanation |
 |
Ans: D. Total peripheral resistance
(Ref: Ganong 25Ie p544, 24/e p546)
- Cardiac output depends on both preload & afterload.
- The preload is defined by the venous return & left ventricular end-diastolic volume while the afterload is defined by the mean arterial pressure, which then fitrther depends on total peripheral resistance.