RCIS Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Exam Prep

When the timing of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is accurately achieved, the afterload of the heart decreases. This reduction occurs because the IABP inflates during diastole (when the heart is filling) and deflates just before systole (when the heart pumps). The inflation of the balloon provides a volume displacement that reduces the systemic vascular resistance against which the heart has to pump during systole. This decrease in resistance effectively lowers afterload, allowing the left ventricle to pump more efficiently with less myocardial oxygen consumption.

Reducing afterload is beneficial in various cardiac conditions, particularly in cases of heart failure or acute coronary syndrome, where workload on the heart is increased. It aids in improving cardiac output and can relieve symptoms in patients undergoing treatment. Understanding this principle is essential for effective management and optimization of hemodynamics in patients receiving IABP therapy.