What is the main therapeutic benefit of dilating arteries?

Dilating arteries primarily leads to a decrease in afterload, which is the resistance that the heart must overcome to eject blood. When arterial dilation occurs, the peripheral resistance decreases, making it easier for the left ventricle to pump blood into the aorta and systemic circulation. This reduction in afterload can enhance cardiac output, particularly in conditions where the heart is struggling to function effectively, such as in heart failure.

Increased preload, on the other hand, refers to the volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole and is affected by factors like venous return rather than arterial dilation. Decreased blood pressure can be a consequence of arterial dilation but is not the primary therapeutic goal; instead, the focus is often on reducing afterload to improve cardiac function. Increased heart rate is typically influenced by other mechanisms such as hormonal response or the body's need for increased demand rather than directly by the dilation of arteries.