1.4 - Reducing risks of CVD

Question 1

What does ACE inhibitors stand for?

Answer 1

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

Question 2

How do ACE inhibitors work?

Answer 2

1. reduce synthesis of angiotensin II
2. this hormone causes vascoconstiction of blood vessels
3. ACE inhibitors block production of angiotensin, reducing vasoconstiction & lowers blood pressure

Question 3

What is a benefit of using ACE inhibitors?

Answer 3

Effective at reducing synthesis of angiotensin II

Question 4

What is a risk of using ACE inhibitors?

Answer 4

Side effects - dry cough, rapid lowering of blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms & reduced functioning of the kidney

Question 5

What are calcium channel blockers?

Answer 5

Antihypertensive drugs that block calcium channels in the muscle cells in the lining of the arteries

Question 6

How do calcium channel blockers work?

Answer 6

• block calcium channels to prevent contraction of the muscle, the blood vessels do not constrict & this lowers blood pressure

• for muscles to contract, calcium must pass through the channels into muscle cells

Question 7

What is a benefit of calcium channel blockers?

Answer 7

effective at blocking calcium channels in muscle cells

Question 8

What is a risk of calcium channel blockers?

Answer 8

• Side effects - headaches, dizziness, swollen ankles, abnormal heart rhythms, hot flushes & constipation
• for those who have heart failure, taking some types of calcium channel blockers can make symptoms worse or be fatal.

Question 9

What are diuretics?

Answer 9

drugs that decrease reabsorption of water into blood from kidneys

Question 10

How do diuretics work?

Answer 10

1. increase volume of urine produced by kidneys & so excess fluid & salts are lost
2. this decreases blood plasma volume & cardiac output which lowers blood pressure

Question 11

What is a benefit of using diuretics?

Answer 11

Effective in treating heart failure & controlling blood pressure (often when paired with another drug)

Question 12

What is a risk of using diuretics?

Answer 12

Side effects - dizziness, nausea or muscle cramps

Question 13

What are statins?

Answer 13

lowers cholesterol levels in the blood

Question 14

How do statins works?

Answer 14

1.Block the enzyme in the liver that makes LDL cholesterol
2.Block production of low-density lipoproteins
3.Improves the balance of LDLS to HDLS
4.Reduce inflammation in the linings of arteries

Question 15

What are benefits of using statins?

Answer 15

Effectively work to lower LDL cholesterol in the blood

Question 16

What are the risks of using statins?

Answer 16

Side effects - joint aches, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.

Question 17

What is aspirin?

Answer 17

platelet inhibitory drug

Question 18

How does aspirin work?

Answer 18

Reduces the stickiness of platelets which reduces the likelihood of clot formation