Final answer:
Furosemide (Lasix) is prescribed for patients with heart failure to reduce preload and improve heart function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug furosemide (Lasix) is commonly prescribed for patients with heart failure in order to reduce preload. Preload refers to the amount of blood that fills the heart before it contracts. By reducing preload, furosemide helps to decrease the workload on the heart and improve its overall function. This drug does not directly affect afterload, contractility, or promote vasodilation.