What cardiovascular effect does prazosin have?

Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist commonly used to treat hypertension and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its primary effect is the relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation. This vasodilation directly reduces vascular resistance, which is a key factor in lowering blood pressure.

By blocking alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, prazosin decreases peripheral vascular resistance. This action lowers the overall workload on the heart, facilitating improved blood flow and potentially contributing to a reduction in blood pressure. Lower vascular resistance means that the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood through the circulatory system, which is particularly beneficial in individuals with hypertension.

This mechanism aligns well with the therapeutic goals of prazosin, making it effective for managing conditions related to high blood pressure. Hence, the response indicating a decrease in vascular resistance is correct because it highlights the significant hemodynamic effect of prazosin in promoting vasodilation and reducing the workload on the cardiovascular system.