Afterload

Afterload is a term used in cardiology to refer to the tension or stress developed in the wall of the left ventricle during ejection. In other words, it is the load that the heart must eject blood against. It is influenced by aortic pressure and the total peripheral resistance, and it can be increased by conditions such as hypertension and vasoconstriction.

Definition

Afterload is the pressure in the wall of the left ventricle during ejection. It is related to the pressure against which the heart must work to eject blood, and is largely dependent on vascular resistance. Afterload can also be described as the tension or stress developed in the wall of the left ventricle during ejection.

Physiology

The afterload faced by the left ventricle is influenced by aortic pressure and the total peripheral resistance. When the aortic pressure is high, the afterload is also high. Similarly, when the total peripheral resistance is high, the afterload is also high. The afterload can be increased by conditions such as hypertension and vasoconstriction.

Clinical significance

In clinical practice, afterload is often altered by drugs. For example, vasodilators decrease afterload, and vasoconstrictors increase afterload. In conditions such as hypertension, the afterload is increased, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and potentially heart failure.

See also

• Preload (cardiology)
• Frank-Starling law
• Cardiac output

References

Afterload Resources
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