What happens to systemic vascular resistance when afterload is increased?

When afterload is increased, systemic vascular resistance typically increases as well. Afterload refers to the pressure that the heart must work against to eject blood during systole. When the veins and arteries experience higher resistance due to factors such as vasoconstriction or increased blood viscosity, the heart has more difficulty pushing blood through the circulatory system.

As systemic vascular resistance rises, the heart may need to exert more effort to maintain adequate blood flow and pressure, leading to increased workload on the heart. This can affect overall cardiovascular function and is a key consideration in conditions such as hypertension or heart failure. Understanding the relationship between afterload and systemic vascular resistance is crucial in assessing and managing cardiovascular health.