Definitions
- Describing a medication that relaxes and widens blood vessels. - Referring to a substance that causes the dilation of blood vessels. - Talking about a drug that increases blood flow by relaxing smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
- Describing a medication that lowers blood pressure. - Referring to a substance that reduces blood pressure. - Talking about a drug that decreases blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels or reducing the volume of blood.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are related to blood pressure.
- 2Both can be used to treat hypertension.
- 3Both can cause blood vessels to relax.
- 4Both can increase blood flow.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: Vasodilators specifically target the dilation of blood vessels, while hypotensives aim to lower blood pressure through various mechanisms.
- 2Scope: Vasodilators have a broader range of applications beyond hypertension, including heart failure and angina, while hypotensives are primarily used for hypertension.
- 3Mechanism: Vasodilators work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, while hypotensives may work by reducing the volume of blood or decreasing the force of the heart's contractions.
- 4Intensity: Vasodilators may cause a more significant increase in blood flow than hypotensives.
- 5Side effects: Vasodilators may cause headaches, flushing, or dizziness, while hypotensives may cause fatigue, weakness, or nausea.
Remember this!
Vasodilator and hypotensive are both related to blood pressure regulation, but they differ in their mechanism, scope, and side effects. Vasodilators specifically target the dilation of blood vessels, while hypotensives aim to lower blood pressure through various mechanisms. Vasodilators have a broader range of applications beyond hypertension, including heart failure and angina, while hypotensives are primarily used for hypertension.
