Hypertension Pharmacology

What is Hypertension

High blood pressure

What are the factors which determine blood pressure

1. blood volume or viscosity

2. Cardiac output

3. Peripheral vascular resistance

What is normal Blood pressure regulated by

Regulated by agents which induce vasoconstriction (angiotensin 2 and catecholamines) and agents which induce vasodilation (nitric oxide, prostaglandins)

How does ARBs work

blocks angiotensin 2 from binding with its receptor inhibiting vasoconstriction and Aldosterone release, which lowers blood pressure

Calcium Channel Blockers are typically first line antihypertensive therapy for

those aged ≥55 without type 2 diabetes

o are of African, African-American or African–Caribbean family origin

What is the mode of action for Calcium Channel Blockers

Reduce Ca2+ entry via L-type channels and thus reduce Ca2+ availability

Arterioles: reduce smooth muscle tone= vasodilation= reduced SVR

Myocardium: reduce rate of depolarisation= reduced contractility and HR

What does beta blockers block

block the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the sympathetic nervous system.