Cardiovascular drugs Flashcards
(20 cards)
What % of death in Ireland is cardiovascular related?
33%
What is congestive heart failure?
A condition where the heart’s contractile function is reduced. leading to blood accumulation in organs and decreased cardiac output.
What are the main symptoms of congestive heart failure?
Weakness, difficulty breathing, pulmonary congestion, ascites and peripheral edema.
How do cardiac glycosides like digitalis work?
They inhibit Na+/K+ ATPase, increasing intracellular Ca2+, which enhances cardiac contraction.
Name two serious side effects of digitalis
Cardiac arrythmias and hallucinations
What is atherosclerosis?
Narrowing of arteries due to fatty plaque buildup.
What causes myocardial infarction?
A complete blockage of coronary artery leading to tissue ischemia and death.
What is the function of statins like lipitor?
They lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in the liver.
Name a potential side effect of statins
Muscle weakness or myopathy.
What defines hypertension?
Chronic high blood pressure, often without symptoms for years.
What is the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in blood pressure?
It increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention.
Ho do the ACE inhibitors like captopril work?
They block the conversion of angiotensin I to II. lowering BP and aldosterone levels.
What adverse side effect is associated with ACE inhibitors?
Angiodema and a loss of taste (dysgeusia).
What do angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like losartan do?
Block angiotensin II receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
What is the mechanism of beta-blockers in hypertension?
They reduce heart rate and renin secretion by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.
Name one cardioselective and one non-selective beta blocker
Lopressor is cardioselective
Corgard is non-selective.
What are calcium channel blockers used for?
Lower BP by reducing calcium influx, leading to vasodilation and lower cardiac output.
Name a dihydropyridine and a non-dihydropyridine CCB.
Nifedipine is dihydropyridine
Verapamil is non-dihydropyridine
How do diuretics help manage hypertension?
They reduce blood volume by promoting urinary excretion.
What is hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Treating mild hypertension as a first-line diuretic.
