Which change would you expect in the left ventricular pressure–volume loop if afterload is acutely increased (e.g., acute hypertension)?
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Correct answer: Rightward shift, higher end-diastolic volume, lower stroke volume
An acute afterload increase means the ventricle must generate higher pressure before ejection; this delays ejection, leading to increased end-diastolic volume (preload), and typically reduces stroke volume — shifting the loop rightward.
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