Anti-hypertensive drugs

Question 1

What are the two main actions for anti-hypertensive drugs?

Answer 1

1) To decease the volume of circulating blood

2) To reduce SVR (stroke volume resistance)

Question 2

Describe how diuretics help HTN

Answer 2

Diuretics cause the kidneys to remove more sodium and water from the body, which helps to relax the blood vessel walls, thereby lowering blood pressure. Diuretics often are combined with other high blood pressure medicines

Question 3

Describe how ARB’s (Angiotensin II receptor blockers) help HTN

Answer 3

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block the action of angiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on the muscles surrounding blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate) and blood pressure is reduced

Question 4

Describe how cardiac glycosides help HTN

Answer 4

Increases the myocardial contraction

Question 5

Describe how adrenergic-inhibiting agents help HTN

Answer 5

They work by preventing your brain (inhibits the SNS system) from sending signals to your nervous system to speed up your heart rate and narrow your blood vessels.

Question 6

Describe how calcium channel blockers help HTN

Answer 6

Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into muscle cells in artery walls relax and widen blood vessels by affecting the muscle cells in the arterial walls

Question 7

Describe how ACE inhibitors help HTN

Answer 7

ACE inhibitors inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.