Arteriolar vasodilator

Arteriolar vasodilators are substances or medications that preferentially dilate arterioles. When used on people with certain heart conditions, it causes a phenomenon known as the cardiac steal syndrome. Arteriolar vasodilators increase intracapillary pressure, which causes fluid to enter the tissues, leading to vasodilatory edema.

Arteriolar vasodilators include:

• hydralazine
• minoxidil
• nitroprusside