Ch. 2 Antihypertensive Therapies Book flash cards

What is the main goal of treating high pressure?

To reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and organ damage

What’s the target blood pressure for most people?

Below 140/90 mmHg

Which drug class helps the body remove extra fluid and salt?

Diuretics

Name one common thiazide diuretic.

Hydrochlorothiazide

How do beta blockers lower blood pressure?

They slow the heart and reduce how hard it pumps

Name a beta blocker used in hypertension.

Metoprolol

What hormone do ACE inhibitors block?

Angiotensin II

What is a side effect unique to ACE inhibitors?

Dry cough

Name an ACE inhibitor

Lisinopril

Name an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker)

Losartan

What is the main action of calcium channel blockers (CCBs)?

They relax blood vessels and/or slow the heart

Which type of CCB mostly affects blood vessels?

Dihydropyridines (e.g., Amlodipine)

Which type of CCB affects the heart more?

Non-dihydropyridines (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem)

What side effect is common with amlodipine?

Swelling in the ankles (peripheral edema)

What do alpha blockers do?

Relax blood vessels by blocking alpha receptors.

Name one alpha blocker.

Doxazosin

What is the role of direct vasodilators?

They directly relax the smooth muscles in blood vessels

Name a direct vasodilator

Hydralazine.

What is resistant hypertension?

Blood pressure that stays high despite using 3 different drugs.

What drug is often added to treat resistant hypertension?

Spironolactone.

What’s a common side effect of spironolactone?

High potassium or breast tenderness

Which drug class should be avoided in pregnancy?

ACE inhibitors and ARBs

Which medication works better in African American patients as first-line therapy?

Thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers.

What are common side effects of beta blockers?

Fatigue, slow heart rate, cold extremities

What combination of medicines is often needed to control BP?

Two or more drugs from different classes with different mechanisms