Cardiac Medications

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Mechanism of Action: Blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.

• Indications: Hypertension, heart failure, prevention of strokes and heart attacks.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Captopril, Enalapril, or Ramipril are examples of?

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Dry cough, increased potassium levels, low blood pressure, and renal dysfunction are common side effects of

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Mechanism of Action: Block the action of angiotensin II at its receptor, preventing vasoconstriction.

• Indications: Hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease in people with diabetes.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Losartan, Valsartan are examples of?

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Dizziness, increased potassium, and kidney problems, but no cough like ACE inhibitors are common symptoms of?

Beta Blockers

Mechanism of Action: Decrease heart rate and reduce the force of contraction by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.

• Indications: Hypertension, angina, heart failure, and prevention of heart attacks.

Beta Blockers

Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol are example of?

Beta Blockers

Fatigue, cold extremities, slow heart rate, and can exacerbate asthma are common side effects of?

Calcium Channel Blockers

Mechanism of Action: Prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel cells, leading to relaxed blood vessels and a lower heart rate.

• Indications: Hypertension, angina, and some types of arrhythmias.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil are examples of?

Calcium Channel Blockers

Swelling of the lower limbs, dizziness, and constipation are common side effects of?

Diuretics

Mechanism of Action: Increase urine production to reduce blood volume, helping lower blood pressure and reduce fluid buildup.

• Indications: Hypertension, heart failure, and edema.

Thiazide Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide.

Loop Diuretics: Furosemide.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Spironolactone.

What are the three types of diuretics?

Diuretics

Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium with loop diuretics), dehydration, and dizziness are common side effects of?

Vasodilators

Mechanism of Action: Directly relax blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure.

• Indications: Hypertension, heart failure, and angina.

Vasodilators

Hydralazine, Nitroglycerin are examples of?

Vasodilators

Headache, flushing, and low blood pressure are common side effects of?

Cardiac Glycosides

Mechanism of Action: Increase the force of heart muscle contraction and slow the heart rate, improving the efficiency of the heart.

• Indications: Heart failure and certain arrhythmias.

Cardiac Glycosides

Digoxin is an example of?

Cardiac Glycosides

dizziness, and risk of toxicity if not monitored closely are common side effects of?

Anticoagulants

Mechanism of Action: Prevent the formation of blood clots by interfering with the coagulation process.

• Indications: Prevention of stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism.

Anticoagulants

Warfarin, Heparin, Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) like Rivaroxaban are examples of?

Anticoagulants

Risk of bleeding, bruising, and in the case of warfarin, requires regular blood tests to monitor INR levels are common side effects of?

Antiplatelet Agents

Mechanism of Action: Inhibit platelet aggregation to prevent blood clot formation.

• Indications: Prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and in patients with coronary artery disease.

Antiplatelet Agents

Aspirin or Clopidogrel are example of?

Antiplatelet Agents

Increased risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding are common side effects of?

Statins (Antilipidemics)

Mechanism of Action: Lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMGCoA reductase, which is central to cholesterol production.

• Indications: High cholesterol and prevention of cardiovascular events.

Statins (Antilipidemics)

Atorvastatin, Simvastatin are examples of?

Statins (Antilipidemics)

Muscle pain, liver damage, and in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis are common side effects of?

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and electrolyte levels. Assess for signs of edema, dizziness, and side effects. • Education: Ensure patients understand the importance of adherence, especially for medications like anticoagulants that require close monitoring. Explain potential side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or swelling, and when to seek help.

Nursing Considerations for Cardiac Medications