Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) 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 blood pressure is reduced.
Uses for vasodilators
Doctors prescribe vasodilators to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
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