Final answer:
Increased afterload is associated with systemic hypertension, where the heart must exert more force to pump blood against the elevated resistance in the vessels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increased afterload is typically associated with systemic hypertension. Afterload refers to the resistance that the heart must overcome to eject blood during systole. In conditions of systemic hypertension, peripheral resistance is elevated, which increases the afterload on the heart.
Increased blood pressure contributes to higher afterload because the heart must work harder to pump blood against the resistance in the vessels. Factors such as vasoconstriction, increased blood volume, and increased viscosity can increase peripheral resistance and, thus, afterload. On the other hand, decreased blood volume, vasodilation, and hypotension are associated with decreased afterload. Therefore, the correct answer is a) systemic hypertension.