Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Pharmacology and Therapeutics > Treating Hypertension > Flashcards

Treating Hypertension Flashcards

(38 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the common therapeutic drug classes used to treat hypertension.

A 
Diuretics
Calcium channel blockers
ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blocker
Beta blockers
Direct renin inhibitors
α Adrenergic receptor antagonists
Centrally acting agents
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What diuretics are commonly used to treat hypertension?

A
  • Furosemide
  • Bendroflumethiazide
  • Indapamide
  • Amiloride
  • Spironolactone
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How do diuretics work?

A

Act on kidneys to increase excretion of water and Na+

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the mechanism of how Furosemide works?

A

Act on thick ascending limb of loop of Henle
• Inhibit reabsorption of Na+, K+ and H2O
• Inhibit Na+/K+/2Cl- pump = INCREASED salt, water and potassium loss.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are common adverse effects of diuretics?

A
  • Urinary frequency
  • Postural hypotension
  • Hypokalaemia
  • Hyponatraemia
  • Hyperuricaemia and Gout (inhibition of urate excretion)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are potassium sparing diuretics?

A

Spironolactone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How does Spironolactone work?

A
  • Aldosterone receptor antagonist
  • Used in combination ‘weak when used alone’
  • Prevent hypokalaemia when used with other diuretics.
  • Control Na+ and K+ exchange in the distal tubule.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the three classes of calcium channel blockers?

A
  • Phenylalkylamines (verapamil)
  • Dihydropyridines (amlodipine, nifedipine)
  • Benzothiazepines (diltiazem)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How do calcium channel blockers generally work?

A
  • Block cellular movement of Calcium through L-type Ca2+ channels.
  • All bind α1 subunit of the L-type calcium channel but at distinct sites
  • Mainly affect heart and vascular smooth muscle.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What effect do calcium channel blockers have on peripheral vessels?

A

• Vasodilator effect on peripheral vessels reduces AFTERLOAD.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are other clinical uses of calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem?

A

Angina: dilate coronary vessels – diltiazem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are other clinical uses of calcium channel blockers such as verapamil?

A

Antidysrhythmic: impaired AV conduction and reduced contractility. Reduce heart rate and force of contraction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the adverse effects of calcium channel blockers?

A
  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Ankle swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Hypotension
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the main ACE inhibitors used?

A

Ramipril
lisinopril
Perindopril

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Through what mechanism do ACE inhibitors work?

A

• Inhibits ACE → Reduced synthesis of angiotensin II which leads to:

  • Vasodilation (Angiotensin2 is a vasoconstrictor)
  • ↓ Aldosterone - ↓ Na and H2O retention
  • Accumulation of bradykinin (a vasodilator)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What Angiotensin II receptor blockers are used clinically?

Study These Flashcards
A

Candesartan
Losartan
Valsartan

17
Q

How do Angiotensin II receptor blockers work?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

* Blocks vasoconstrictor effects thus has a anti-hypertensive effect.

18
Q

ACe inhibitors prevent conversion of what?

Study These Flashcards
A

Angiotensin I into Angiotensin II by inhibiting ACE.

19
Q

What are the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Postural hypotension / dizziness
  • Dry cough
  • Angioedema
  • NEPHROTOXIC and ⬆K+
  • Teratogenic
20
Q

Teratogenic

Study These Flashcards
A

Teratogenic drugs: A teratogen is an agent that can disturb the development of the embryo or fetus. Teratogens halt the pregnancy or produce a congenital malformation

21
Q

What beta blockers are used clinically?

Study These Flashcards
A

Atenolol
Bisoprolol
Note: Not first line.

22
Q

Through what mechanism do beta blockers work to treat hypertension?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Both β1 selective
  • Reduces heart rate and force of contraction, thus decreased workload.
  • Reduces renal production of renin
  • Reduces sympathetic activity
23
Q

What are the adverse efects of beta blockers?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Lethargy
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Cold peripheries
  • Bronchospasm in asthma
  • Impotence
24
Q

What direct renin inhibitor is used clinically?

25
Through what mechanism does aliskrenin work?
* Binds to the S3bp binding site of renin, essential for its activity. * Prevents the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.
26
What are the adverse effects of direct renin inhibitors?
* Hypotension * GI symptoms – diarrhoea (common) * Angioedema * NEPHROTOXIC and ⬆K+
27
What α Adrenergic receptor antagonists are used clinically?
Doxazosin used in hypertension | Alpha 1 receptor blocker
28
Through what mechanism do α Adrenergic receptor antagonists work?
* Inhibits the binding of norepinephrine to α1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells. * Vasodilation. * Decreases peripheral vascular resistance – antihypertensive effects.
29
What centrally acting agents are used clinically to treat hypertension?
Methyldopa
30
How does methyldopa work?
* Acts centrally on alpha 2 adrenoceptors. * Reduces sympathetic nerve flow from medulla in brainstem. * Vasodilation. * Reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and fall in blood pressure.
31
How is a hypertensive emergency treated?
Hypertensive Crisis Treatment: • Aim at a <25 % BP reduction during the first 1-4 hours, and proceed cautiously thereafter. • Target 100mmHg diastolic BP over 24hrs. • Preferred first line i.v. agent- sodium nitroprusside or labetolol. • If MI treat with nitroglycerine.
32
What is the first line treatment for hypertension in patients under 55yrs old?
ACE inhibitors.
33
What is the first line treatment for hypertension in patients over 55yrs old or any BLACK patients?
Calcium channel blockers or thiazide type diuretic.
34
In pregnancy what treatment for hypertension is contraindicated?
ACE inhibitors.
35
What medication should be used to treat hypertensive pregnant women?
* Methyldopa * Labetolol * Nifedipine
36
What lifestyle changes should be made to manage hypertension?
* Patient education * Low salt intake <6g/day * BMI 20-25 kg/m2 * Reduce alcohol intake * Reduce excessive consumption of coffee >5cups/day. * Stop smoking * Aerobic physical exercise >30min/day * Reduce saturated fat diet * Consume at least five portions/day fresh fruit and vegetable (DASH Trial).
37
What are the key lifestyle risk factors of hypertension?
Excess weight/salt/alcohol, smoking, physical inactivity.
38
Hypertension increases the risk of a number of conditions including:
* Heart failure. * Coronary artery disease. * Stroke. * Chronic kidney disease. * Peripheral arterial disease. * Vascular dementia. * Hypertensive retinopathy

Pharmacology and Therapeutics (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions