Vasodilators
Vasodilators
Vasodilators (pronounced: vaso-dilators) are a class of drugs that are used to dilate (widen) blood vessels. They work directly on the muscles in the walls of your arteries, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. As a result, blood flows more easily through your arteries, your heart doesn't have to pump as hard and your blood pressure is reduced.
Etymology
The term "vasodilator" is derived from the Latin vaso (vessel) and dilatare (to spread or extend).
Types of Vasodilators
There are several types of vasodilators, including:
- Nitrovasodilators: These are nitrates that donate NO (nitric oxide) which relaxes smooth muscle causing vasodilation.
- Calcium channel blockers: These prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure.
- Alpha blockers: These reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, allowing blood to pass more easily.
- Beta blockers: These reduce the workload on your heart and open your blood vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force.
Uses
Vasodilators are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure.
- Angina: Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Heart failure: A condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries to your lungs.
Side Effects
Like all medications, vasodilators can have side effects. These may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Tachycardia: An abnormally rapid heart rate.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasodilators
- Wikipedia's article - Vasodilators
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