Cardiovascular Medications

These flashcards cover essential terms and their definitions regarding cardiovascular medications, aiding in understanding and retention of course material.

Diuretics

Drugs used to treat excessive fluid retention (edema) and conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and kidney disease.

Osmotic Diuretics

Diuretics used in critical situations to increase urine output by altering the osmotic pressure.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that block the production of substances that narrow blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.

Antihypertensive Drugs

Medications used to treat high blood pressure, which can include diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Drugs that block calcium from entering heart and artery muscle cells, decreasing heart contraction and dilating arteries.

Beta Blockers

Medications that block the effects of epinephrine and decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

Thrombolytic Drugs

Medications that dissolve blood clots that have already formed, used in cases of acute strokes or myocardial infarction.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB)

Drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, helping to lower blood pressure.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Diuretics that prevent potassium loss while promoting sodium and water excretion.

Human B-type Natriuretic Peptides

Hormones produced by the heart ventricles that promote vasodilation and increase water elimination.

Positive Inotropes

Agents that increase the force of heart contractions and are typically given intravenously.

Statins

Medications that inhibit cholesterol synthesis to treat hyperlipidemia, helping to lower LDL cholesterol.

Vitamin K Antagonists

Drugs that inhibit the action of Vitamin K, thus affecting the clotting process, with warfarin being a well-known example.

Antiplatelet Drugs

Medications that prevent platelets from aggregating, used to reduce the risk of clots.

Direct Vasodilators

Drugs that cause relaxation of the blood vessels, leading to decreased blood pressure.

Thiazide Diuretics

A type of diuretic that helps the body eliminate sodium and water while retaining potassium.

Loop Diuretics

Potent diuretics that promote substantial sodium and water loss and are often used in heart failure.

Nicotinic Acid Agents

B vitamins, such as niacin, that lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Colony Stimulating Factors

Agents that stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells or platelets.

Clonidine

A central-acting adrenergic agent that decreases blood pressure by stimulating central nervous system receptors.