A decrease in preload results in a(n):
A) decrease in afterload.
B) decrease in cardiac output.
C) increase in stroke volume.
D) decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Preload is the amount of blood that fills the ventricles of the heart during diastole. A decrease in preload would result in less blood entering the ventricles, which would ultimately decrease the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat, thus decreasing cardiac output. Therefore, the correct choice is B. The other choices are not affected by preload in this manner.

A Decrease in Preload Results in A(n)