Vasodilator
Vasodilator
Vasodilator (pronunciation: /ˌvāzōˈdīˌlādər/) is a type of medication or substance that functions to dilate or widen the blood vessels in the body. This process is known as vasodilation.
Etymology
The term "vasodilator" is derived from the Latin words "vaso" meaning vessel and "dilator" which means to expand or widen.
Function
Vasodilators work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the arteries and veins, thereby increasing the diameter of the blood vessels. This allows for increased blood flow and reduces the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the vessels, effectively lowering blood pressure.
Types of Vasodilators
There are several types of vasodilators, including:
- Nitric Oxide: A naturally occurring vasodilator in the body.
- Hydralazine: A medication used to treat high blood pressure.
- Nitroglycerin: A medication used to treat chest pain or angina.
- Sodium Nitroprusside: A powerful vasodilator used in emergency situations to rapidly decrease blood pressure.
Related Terms
- Vasoconstriction: The opposite of vasodilation, this is the process of narrowing the blood vessels.
- Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by high blood pressure, often treated with vasodilators.
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often treated with certain types of vasodilators.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasodilator
- Wikipedia's article - Vasodilator
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