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GTN Venodilation — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePharmacology - CardiovascularGTN VenodilationFRCA Primary

Nitroglycerin (GTN) acts primarily on:

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Correct answer: DVenous capacitance vessels causing venodilation at low doses

GTN at low doses acts predominantly on venous capacitance vessels causing venodilation / reduced preload / decreased LVEDP / and reduced myocardial oxygen demand. At higher doses it also dilates arterial vessels and coronary arteries. This preferential venodilation distinguishes it from nitroprusside which dilates both arteries and veins equally.

Reference: Peck Hill Williams 2014 Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care