The influence of inotropic changes in force generation is clearly demonstrated by use of length-tension diagrams in which increased inotropy results increases active tension at a fixed preload.

What affects preload?

Preload is affected by venous blood pressure and the rate of venous return. These are affected by venous tone and volume of circulating blood. Preload is related to the ventricular end-diastolic volume; a higher end-diastolic volume implies a higher preload.

What drugs affect preload?

Preload reducers include NTG (eg, Deponit, Minitran, Nitro-Bid IV, Nitro-Bid ointment, Nitrodisc, Nitro-Dur, Nitrogard, Nitroglyn, Nitrol, Nitrolingual, Nitrong, Nitrostat, Transdermal-NTG, Transderm-Nitro, Tridil) and furosemide (eg, Lasix).