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Excessive preload over time would lead to:

A) decreased capacity of the left ventricle.

B) strengthening of the left ventricle.

C) increased ejection fraction of the left ventricle.

D) weakening of the left ventricle.

User Tom Miller
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Chronic excessive preload can lead to the weakening of the left ventricle due to overstretching and fatigue of the cardiac muscle over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Excessive preload over time would lead to weakening of the left ventricle. Preload refers to the end-diastolic volume (EDV), which is the stretch on the ventricles prior to contraction. According to the Frank-Starling mechanism, an increase in preload leads to a stronger contraction up to a certain physiological limit. However, chronic exposure to excessive preload can eventually overstretch the heart muscle, leading to cardiac muscle fatigue and potential damage. This overstretched condition can result in decreased contractility, and ultimately, the weakening of the left ventricle due to the heart's inability to sustain such high levels of preload over time.

User Its Not Blank
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