Final answer:
Afterload refers to the tension that the ventricles must develop to pump blood effectively against the resistance in the vascular system. Resistance, Valvular Dysfunction, and Blood Vessel Diameter are three attributes or components associated with afterload.
Step-by-step explanation:
Afterload refers to the tension that the ventricles must develop to pump blood effectively against the resistance in the vascular system. Any condition that increases resistance requires a greater afterload to force open the semilunar valves and pump the blood.
Damage to the valves, such as stenosis, which makes them harder to open will also increase afterload. Any decrease in resistance decreases the afterload.
The three attributes or components associated with afterload are:
Resistance: Afterload is influenced by the resistance in the vascular system. Higher resistance leads to increased afterload.
Valvular Dysfunction: Damage to the valves, such as stenosis, can increase afterload as the ventricles have to generate more force to pump blood against the resistance caused by the dysfunctional valves.
Blood Vessel Diameter: Afterload can also be affected by changes in blood vessel diameter. Constriction of blood vessels increases afterload, while dilation decreases afterload.