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Vasodilator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vasodilator

[หŒveษชzoสŠหˆdaษชleษชtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

A vasodilator is a type of substance that causes blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure. They can work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the vessel walls, leading to their dilation. Vasodilators are often used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions.

Synonyms

blood vessel relaxant, dilator, relaxant.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed a vasodilator to help lower the patient's blood pressure.
  • During exercise, the body produces vasodilators to improve blood flow to muscles.
  • Vasodilators can be beneficial for patients with heart disease.
  • Nitroglycerin is a commonly used vasodilator in emergency situations.
  • Some food items act as natural vasodilators.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health & Medicine

  • Common vasodilators include medications like nitroglycerin, often used to treat heart conditions.
  • Certain foods, like garlic and beets, contain compounds that can act as natural vasodilators, promoting heart health.
  • Exercise is known to stimulate vasodilation, increasing blood flow to muscles during physical activity.

Science

  • Vasodilation is an essential physiological process that helps regulate blood pressure by allowing more blood to flow throughout the body.
  • This process is controlled by various factors, including temperature, local oxygen levels, and chemical signals from the body.

Pop Culture

  • The effects of vasodilation have been referenced in movies and shows portraying characters experiencing physical exertion or emotional stress.
  • Fitness influencers often discuss vasodilation when talking about workouts that improve muscle pumps and blood flow.

Psychology

  • Thereโ€™s evidence suggesting emotional states like relaxation can stimulate vasodilation, demonstrating a connection between emotions and physical responses.
  • Meditative practices, which often encourage relaxation, may also contribute to vasodilation, promoting overall cardiovascular health.

Origin of 'vasodilator'

Main points about word origin

  • The term is derived from Latin, where 'vas' means vessel and 'dilatare' means to expand.
  • First used in medical literature in the early 20th century, its usage has grown with advancements in cardiovascular medicine.

The term 'vasodilator' is derived from two parts: 'vaso', from the Latin word 'vas', meaning 'vessel', and 'dilator', which stems from the Latin 'dilatari', meaning 'to spread out'. The concept of vasodilation has been studied since the early days of modern medicine, with a focus on understanding how various substances can affect blood vessel tone and blood pressure. In the late 19th century, the study of pharmacology led to the discovery of various agents that could induce vasodilation, thus improving circulation and treating cardiovascular conditions. The term became prevalent in medical literature as practitioners began to categorize and utilize these substances in clinical practice, particularly in cardiology and vascular medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,367, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.