Drugs to Treat Heart Diseases Flashcards
What are statins?
Drugs to reduce blood cholesterol
How do plant statins work?
By reducing the LDL cholesterol in the blood
They inhibit (stop) an enzyme which is involved in the making (synthesis) of the LDL cholesterol in the level
Less cholesterol is formed so the chances of forming an atheroma, atheroscleroris and CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) are reduced
Statins reduce the chances of which diseases?
Atheroma
Atherosclerosis
CVDs
What are the side effects of statins?
Muscle inflammation Liver damage Joint pains Nausea Constipation Diarrhoea Kidney damage Cataracts Diabetes Allergies Skin rash Respiratory problems Headaches Dizziness Depression
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye
What are anti-hypertensives?
They reduce blood pressure and heart rate
Prevent smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls from contraction by acting on the nervous system
What type of drugs are ACE inhibitors?
Anti-hypertensives
What do ACE inhibitors do?
Reduce blood pressure by reducing the synthesis of the hormone Angiotensin II
What is the function of the hormone Angiotensin II
Causes blood vessels to vasoconstrict which results in a higher blood pressure
What is vasoconstriction?
Narrowing or constriction of the blood vessels
What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?
Dizziness
Dry cough
Abnormal heart rhythms
What do diuretics do?
Increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys to excrete more fluids and salts
This leads a lower in blood plasma volume and thus lowering in blood pressure
What type of drugs are diuretics?
Anti-hypertensives
What are the side effects of diuretics?
Dizziness
Nausea
Muscle cramps
What do anticoagulants and platelet inhibitory drugs do?
They reduce the stickiness of platelets and thus reduce the chance of blood clotting (stroke)
