Mod 4: The Cardiovascular System

What are some modifiable risk factors for hypertension?

Smoking cessation and Obesity (lose weight).

What are the major contraindications for beta blockers?

contraindicated for people with:

1. asthma

2. peripheral vascular disease

3. COPD

4. Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Which factors are responsible for blood pressure

1. cardiac output (heart rate x stroke volume)

2. peripheral vascular resistance (what the heart must pump against)

What is the purpose of using multiple antihypertensive meds to lower blood pressure?

1. If the BP remains high.

2. Using lower doses of two drugs rather than one drug and higher doses; results in fewer adverse effects and better patient adherence.

What are the major adverse effects of diuretics?

1. hypokalemia

2. hypovolemia (fluid volume deficit).

How does heart failure affect the lungs?

causes the inability of the ventricles to pump blood to meet the body's O2 and nutrient needs; which leads to pulmonary edema, when blood backs up into the lungs.

Which class of cardiac drugs would be effective for the heart failure patient?

Cardiac glycosides (Digoxin) were the main drug class for treating HF until ACE Inhibitors were discovered.

Drugs can now cure HF

How does hypertension lead to heart failure?

Consequences of untreated HTN is heart disease. As the heart beats with more force it will enlarge and require more O2, it might eventually begin to wear out and even fail to pump leading to HF.

What is angina pectoris?

occurs when the heart begins to cramp up due to lack of O2.

What is myocardial infarction?

basically as heart attack (when blood flow to the heart is blocked).

How is nitroglycerin given?

1. sublingual

2. PO

3. IV

4. transmucosal

5. transdermal

6. topical