Final answer:
Geriatric patients typically have reduced cardiac afterload due to changes in the cardiovascular system that occur with aging, the use of specific medications like calcium channel blockers that lower vascular resistance, and decreased arterial compliance. Conditions like aortic stenosis can increase afterload, but the overall trend in the elderly is a decrease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geriatric patients often experience a reduction in cardiac afterload due to changes in the cardiovascular system associated with the aging process. Afterload refers to the force the ventricles must generate to pump blood against the resistance in the vessels. In older adults, conditions such as arteriosclerosis can reduce arterial compliance, leading to increased resistance and afterload.
On the other hand, the use of certain medications, like calcium channel blockers, can lead to a decrease in cardiac afterload by decreasing the strength of ventricular contraction and affecting vascular resistance. These blockers, including dihydropyridine, phenylalkylamine, and benzothiazepine, revolutionized the treatment of cardiac patients, particularly those experiencing angina pectoris.
It is also worth noting that cardiac valve stenosis, particularly aortic stenosis, is a condition common in the geriatric population which can significantly increase afterload by making it harder for the heart to pump blood through the stiffened, calcified valves. However, the general trend in aging is towards decreased afterload possibly due to a reduction in arterial resistance or changes in vascular compliance.