Cardiovascular Drugs Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to cardiovascular drugs, including anti-hypertensive medications, drugs for angina, heart failure, and antidysrhythmics.

What is the definition of hypertension for individuals 60 years or older?

Systolic blood pressure > 150 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg.

What is the definition of hypertension for individuals younger than 60 years and those with chronic kidney disease or diabetes?

Systolic blood pressure > 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg.

What is the initial antihypertensive treatment for the general non-African American population?

Thiazide diuretic, calcium channel blocker, ACE inhibitor, or ARB.

What is the initial antihypertensive treatment for the general African American population?

Thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blocker.

What is the MOA of ACE inhibitors?

Inhibit Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

What are the effects of Angiotensin II?

Systemic vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, ADH release, and stimulates thirst.

What is the primary cardiovascular effect of ACE Inhibitors?

Reduces BP by decreasing SVR.

Give an example of ACE Inhibitor?

Captopril (Capoten)

Give an example of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers?

Losartan (Cozaar).

What is the MOA of ARBs?

Selectively block the binding of Angiotensin II to the type 1 Angiotensin II receptors in these tissues

What are the primary actions of Beta Blockers?

Decrease heart rate, myocardial oxygen demand, and myocardial contractility.

Give an example of Beta Blockers?

Propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol

What is a caution for prescribing beta blockers?

Bronchial asthma because any level of blockade of beta2 receptors can promote bronchoconstriction.

What are the common adverse effects of Beta Blockers?

Hypotension & Bradycardia

Give an example of Dual-Action Alpha1 and Beta Receptor Blockers?

Labetalol and carvedilol

What is the Mechanism of Action for Calcium Channel Blockers?

Cause coronary artery vasodilation and peripheral arterial vasodilation, thus decreasing systemic vascular resistance

Give an example of Calcium Channel Blockers?

Nifedipine

What is the MOA of Diuretics?

Decrease plasma and extracellular fluid volumes

What are the adverse effects of Loop Diuretics (Furosemide)?

Electrolyte imbalance, ototoxicity tinnitus, hypotension, dehydration, increase LDL and triglycerides

What drug interaction should be monitored if taking Loop Diuretics (Furosemide)?

Digoxin - monitor potassium

What is the MOA of Vasodilators?

Opens blood vessels helps lower blood pressure

What is the indication for Vasodilators?

Treatment of hypertension

Give an example of Vasodilators?

Sodium nitroprusside

Give an example of Centrally Acting Adrenergic Drugs?

Clonidine and methyldopa

What is Centrally Acting Adrenergic Drugs used for?

Adjunct drugs to treat hypertension after other drugs have failed.

Give an example of Peripherally Acting Alpha1 Blockers?

Doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin

Why should you teach patients to change positions slowly?

To avoid syncope from postural hypotension

What is Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain)?

When the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the blood is insufficient to meet the demands of the heart, the heart muscle “aches.”

What is the Therapeutic Objectives for Angina Pectoris?

Minimize the frequency of attacks and decrease the duration and intensity of anginal pain.

Give an example of Drugs for Angina?

Nitrates or nitrites

What is the MOA of Nitrates and Nitrites?

Cause vasodilation because of relaxation of smooth muscles

What is a contraindication for Nitrates?

Hypotension

What form of nitrates is an immediate effect?

Sublingual

What is Beta Blockers used for?

Reduces mortality rate in patients after MI and in treating angina

Give an example of Miscellaneous Antianginal Drug?

Ranexa

What is a side effect that patients should report when taking Miscellaneous Antianginal Drug?

Dry mouth

What should be done if anginal pain occurs?

Take a sublingual tablet

Give an example of Calcium Channel Blockers for Chronic Stable Angina?

Amlodipine

What is Heart Failure?

The heart is unable to pump blood in sufficient amounts from the ventricles to meet the body’s metabolic needs.

What are the Drugs of Choice for Early Treatment of Heart Failure?

ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, captopril)

Give an example of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNI)?

Valsartan/sacubitril (Entresto)

What is Action of Aldosterone Antagonists?

activation of the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system causes increased levels of aldosterone, which causes retention of sodium and water, leading to edema that can worsen HF.

Give an example of Aldosterone Antagonists?

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

How inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase?

Increase calcium for myocardial muscle contraction.

Give an example of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (PDIs)?

Milrinone

Give an example of Cardiac Glycosides?

Digoxin

What is the MOA of Cardiac Glycosides?

Positive inotropic effect

What should be monitored when giving Cardiac Glycosides?

Electrolyte levels must be monitored.

What is the Digoxin Toxicity therapy?

Digoxin immune Fab (Digibind) therapy

What should you do before giving any dose of digoxin and beta blockers?

Before giving any dose of digoxin and beta blockers, count apical pulse for 1 full minute.

What drugs should you use an infusion pump?

Nesiritide or milrinone

What is Dysrhythmia?

Any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart

What is Vaughan Williams Classification?

System commonly used to classify antidysrhythmic drugs

Give an example of Vaughan Williams Classification?

Class Ia: procainamide, quinidine, and disopyramide

Give an example of Class IV:

Calcium channel blockers

What is a contraindications to Use of Antidysrhythmic Drugs?

Known drug allergy

Give an example of Unclassified Antidysrhythmic?

Adenosine (Adenocard)

What you should Measure before initiating Antidysrhythmics?

Measure serum potassium levels before initiating therapy

What pt should notify health care provider When taking Antidysrhythmics?

notify health care provider of any worsening of dysrhythmia or toxic effects

What show Monitor for therapeutic response?

Decreased BP in hypertensive patients

Hypertension Definition (60+ years)

Systolic BP > 150 mm Hg or diastolic BP > 90 mm Hg.