Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. As a result, blood flows more easily through the vessels. The heart doesn't have to pump as hard, reducing blood pressure.

What happens during vasodilation?

Vasodilation is a mechanism to enhance blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking oxygen and/or nutrients. The vasodilation causes a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and an increase in blood flow, resulting in a reduction of blood pressure.

What is the mechanism of action of vasodilators?

Mechanism of Action

In general, Vasodilators dilate or prevent constriction of the blood vessels, which allow greater blood flow to various organs in the body. [3] Many vasodilators bind to receptors on endothelial cells of the blood vessel, which stimulate calcium release.