Actions of Drugs on the CVS Flashcards
1
Q
For what types of conditions of the CVS are drugs used to treat?
A
Arrhythmias Heart Failure Angina Hypertension Risk of thrombus formation
2
Q
What effects can drugs have on the CVS?
A
Rate and rhythm of heart
Force of myocardial contraction
Peripheral resistance and blood flow
Blood volume
3
Q
What is an arrhythmia?
A
An abnormality of heart rate or rhythm
4
Q
Give some examples of types of arrhtyhmias
A
Bradycardia Atrial Flutter Atrial Fibrillation Tachycardia (ventricular or supraventricular) Ventricular Fibrillation
5
Q
What are the three main causes of arrhythmia?
A
Ectopic pacemaker activity
Afterdepolarisations
Re-entry loop
6
Q
Describe Ectopic Pacemaker Activity
A
An area of myocardium becomes damaged and is now able to spontaneously activate, generating an action potential that overrides the Sino-Atrial now
