1.4 - Reducing risks of CVD Flashcards
What does ACE inhibitors stand for?
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
How do ACE inhibitors work?
- reduce synthesis of angiotensin II
- this hormone causes vascoconstiction of blood vessels
- ACE inhibitors block production of angiotensin, reducing vasoconstiction & lowers blood pressure
What is a benefit of using ACE inhibitors?
Effective at reducing synthesis of angiotensin II
What is a risk of using ACE inhibitors?
Side effects - dry cough, rapid lowering of blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms & reduced functioning of the kidney
What are calcium channel blockers?
Antihypertensive drugs that block calcium channels in the muscle cells in the lining of the arteries
How do calcium channel blockers work?
- block calcium channels to prevent contraction of the muscle, the blood vessels do not constrict & this lowers blood pressure
- for muscles to contract, calcium must pass through the channels into muscle cells
What is a benefit of calcium channel blockers?
effective at blocking calcium channels in muscle cells
What is a risk of calcium channel blockers?
- Side effects - headaches, dizziness, swollen ankles, abnormal heart rhythms, hot flushes & constipation
- for those who have heart failure, taking some types of calcium channel blockers can make symptoms worse or be fatal.
What are diuretics?
drugs that decrease reabsorption of water into blood from kidneys
How do diuretics work?
- increase volume of urine produced by kidneys & so excess fluid & salts are lost
- this decreases blood plasma volume & cardiac output which lowers blood pressure
What is a benefit of using diuretics?
Effective in treating heart failure & controlling blood pressure (often when paired with another drug)
What is a risk of using diuretics?
Side effects - dizziness, nausea or muscle cramps
What are statins?
lowers cholesterol levels in the blood
How do statins works?
1.Block the enzyme in the liver that makes LDL cholesterol
2.Block production of low-density lipoproteins
3.Improves the balance of LDLS to HDLS
4.Reduce inflammation in the linings of arteries
What are benefits of using statins?
Effectively work to lower LDL cholesterol in the blood
