Page 10, Cardiac Performance, Dr. D. Penney

There are similarities and differences in the response to changes in preload and afterload (Table 2.01). Both involve increased muscle tension. Increased preload results mainly from increased volume, whereas increased afterload results mainly from increased pressure. Increased preload occurs mainly at end-diastole, while increased afterload takes place during ventricular ejection. Increased preload causes an increase in stroke volume and stroke work, whereas increased afterload decreases stroke volume and does not change stroke work.

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