Skip to main content
vasoactive

vasoactive

8.6
Causing blood vessels to get wider or narrower
  • adjective
  • /ˌveɪzoʊˈæktɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vasoactivo
  • The development and progression of heart failure is characterized by a progressive loss of the ability of endogenous compensatory vasoactive peptides to counter the actions of vasoconstrictor neurohormonal systems.
  • vasoactive peptides
  • vasoactive drug
  • endogenous vasoactive

Examples

  • Vasoactive agents have been used to control variceal bleeding for 40 years.

    Academic text (1995)
  • All medication, including all vasoactive agents, was discontinued at least 24 hours before the study.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Levels of gastrin, secretin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were normal.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Restoration and maintenance of adequate systemic and renal perfusion are key and can be achieved by administration of fluids and vasoactive drugs.

    Academic text (2016)
  • The doctor administered a vasoactive drug to increase the patient's blood pressure after the shock.

  • Nurses monitor patients receiving vasoactive treatments carefully to ensure their blood vessels respond appropriately.

  • Vasoactive medications can help dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow during surgery.

Synonyms

vasomotor
vsvasoactive
  • Specialized
8.6

Relating to nerves and muscles that make blood vessels change size

affects blood vessel diameter directly rather than referring to controlling nerves

How Strong

potent
119 5.5
vasoactive
  • Specialized
8.6
weak
69 1.0
inactive
3 2.7

Surface Forms

vasoactive positive

Morphology

vasoactive = active (semi-transparent) = vaso + active

Formed from the medical combining form 'vaso-' (vessel) plus the common adjective 'active'; predictable to medically informed learners but not to average B1 learners who may not recognise 'vaso-'.

Etymology

Vasoactive comes from vaso- meaning 'vessel', like the common word 'vessel', and active meaning 'acting'. So it means 'acting on blood vessels', which is why a vasoactive medicine can make vessels get bigger or smaller and change blood flow.