Antihypertensive Flashcards
Blood pressure calculation
(BP) = CO × SVR
CO = cardiac output
SVR = systemic vascular resistance
High-normal BP
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130–139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 85–89 mm Hg
Affects estimated 7.5 million Canadians
CNS
SVR
Centrally acting adrenergic
Local
SVR
Peripherally acting adrenergic
Hypertension Defined by Its Cause
- Essential hypertension
- Secondary hypertension
- Malignant hypertension, it is a
Essential hypertension (idiopathic, primary)
90 to 95% of cases
Secondary hypertension
**5 to 10% of cases
**Most commonly result of pheochromocytoma, pre-eclampsia, renal artery disease, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, or parathyroid disease
Malignant hypertension
BP above 180/120; a medical emergency
Goals of antihypertensive therapy
Achieve pressure less than?
Reduction of cardiovascular and renal morbidity
Achieve pressure less than 140/90 mmHg
Hypertension + diabetes: less than _______ mmHg
Hypertension + chronic kidney disease: less than _______ mmHg
GOAL BP
Hypertension + diabetes: < 130/80 mmHg
Hypertension + chronic kidney disease: < 140/90 mmHg
Less than 140/90 or 120/ 80 (as per Brenda)
Parasympathetic nervous system
stimulates? 3
function in BVs?
Stimulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands
relax BVs
Sympathetic nervous system
stimulates? 3
function in BVs?
Stimulates the heart, blood vessels, skeletal muscle
Contracts BVs
Antihypertensive Drugs
Medications used to treat hypertension
Antihypertensive Drugs Categories 7
Adrenergic drugs
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
Vasodilators
Direct renin inhibitors
Parasympathetic NS hormone
ACh
Sympathetic NS hormone
NE
Adrenergic Drugs: Five Subcategories
α2-Receptor agonists (central)- brain
Adrenergic neuron blockers (central and peripheral)
α1-Receptor blockers (peripheral)- heart and BVs
β-Receptor blockers (peripheral)-heart and BVs
Combination α1- and β-receptor blockers (peripheral)- heart and BVs
Centrally Acting Adrenergic DrugS
clonidine
OTHER:
methyldopa
Centrally Acting Adrenergic:
clonidine and methyldopa
Mechanism of action:
Stimulate α2-adrenergic receptors in the BRAIN (which normally inhibit NE release from adrenergic terminals)
Decrease sympathetic outflow from the CNS (results in DILATION due to decreased sympathetic response)
Decrease norepinephrine (sympathetic) production
Stimulate α2-adrenergic receptors, thus reducing renin activity in the kidneys
BVs dilate, renin decreases and it result in decreased BP
Peripherally Acting α1-Blockers MEDICATION
doxazosin
OTHER:
prazosiN
terazosin
Peripherally Acting α1-Blockers:
doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin
Mechanism of action:
Block α1-adrenergic receptors (which normally contricts BVs and viceral organ sphincter)
When α1-adrenergic receptors are blocked, BP is decreased.
Dilate arteries and veins
α1-Blockers also increase urinary flow rates and decrease outflow obstruction by preventing smooth muscle contractions in the bladder neck and urethra.
Use: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Beta-blockers 3 medications
propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol
ß-Blockers
propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol
2 effects
Long term use causes?
Reduction of the heart rate through β1-receptor blockade
Cause reduced secretion of renin
Long-term use causes reduced peripheral vascular resistance.
Dual-Action α1- and β-Receptor Blockers
labetalol mechanism of action?
Used for?
Dual antihypertensive effects of reduction in heart rate (β1-receptor blockade) and vasodilation (α1-receptor blockade)
used for pregnant women with HTN
Adrenergic Drugs: Indications
All used to treat hypertension
Treats glaucoma
BPH: doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin
Management of severe heart failure (HF) when used with cardiac glycosides and diuretics
Adrenergic Drugs: Adverse Effects
High incidence of orthostatic hypotension, syncope
Most common:
Bradycardia with reflex tachycardia
Dry mouth
Drowsiness, sedation
Constipation
Depression
Edema
Sexual dysfunction
Other:
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Nausea
Rash
Cardiac disturbances (palpitations), others
Slow position changes!!
α2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulators (Agonists)
clonidine and methyldopa
- INDICATION
- AE
- Used in conjunction with?
Not typically prescribed as first-line antihypertensive drugs
Adjunct drugs to treat hypertension after other drugs have failed
High incidence of unwanted adverse effects: orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness
Used in conjunction with other antihypertensives such as diuretics
α1-Blockers
doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)
prazosin hydrochloride (Minipress®)
tamsulosin hydrochloride (Flomax®)*
terazosin hydrochloride (Hytrin®)
*Tamsulosin is not used to control BP but is indicated solely for symptomatic control of BPH.
α1-Blockers
doxazosin mesylate (Cardura®)
How does it reduces PVR and BP?
Commonly used α1-blocker
Reduces peripheral vascular resistance and BP by dilating both arterial and venous blood vessels
Β-Receptor Blockermedication
nebivolol hydrochloride (Bystolic®)
Β-Receptor Blocker
nebivolol hydrochloride (Bystolic®)
Mechanism of action
Uses: hypertension and HF
Action: blocks β1-receptors and produces vasodilatation, which results in a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
Less sexual dysfunction
Do not stop abruptly; must be tapered over 1 to 2 weeks.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Large group of?
Often use?
May be combined with a? or a?
Large group of safe and effective drugs
Often used as first-line drugs for HF and hypertension
May be combined with a thiazide diuretic or a calcium channel blocker.
TO KNOW medications: ACE Inhibitors
Ends in suffix?
“Pril”
captopril (Capoten®)
enalapril (Vasotec®)
perindopril (Coversyl®)
ramipril (Altace®)
Other ACE Inhibitors
benazepril (Lotensin®)
fosinopril sodium
lisinopril (Prinivil®)
cilazapril (Inhibace®)
quinapril (Accupril®)
trandolapril (Mavik®)
ACE Inhibitors:
Explain mechanism of Action
2 functions of angiotensin II
Inhibit ACE, which is responsible for converting angiotensin I (through the action of renin) to angiotensin II
Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and causes aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands.
Block ACE, thus preventing the formation of angiotensin II
Prevent the breakdown of the vasodilating substance bradykinin
Ability to decrease SVR (a measure of afterload) and preload
Can stop the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy
Lower BP
[inhibits ACE enzymes which leads to vasodilation; ACE usually leads to vasoconstriction]
ACE Inhibitors:Indications
Hypertension
HF (drug used either alone or in combination with diuretics or other drugs)
Slow progression of left ventricular hypertrophy after myocardial infarction (MI) (cardioprotective)
Renal protective effects in patients with diabetes
ACE Inhibitors: Captopril and Lisinopril
Are not prodrugs.
Prodrugs are inactive in their administered form and must be metabolized in the liver to an active form so as to be effective.
Captopril and lisinopril can be used if a patient has liver dysfunction, unlike other ACE inhibitors that are prodrugs.
Prodrugs
inactive in their administered form and must be metabolized in the liver to an active form so as to be effective.
ACE Inhibitors: Mechanism of Action
Inhibit ACE
ACE: converts angiotensin I (formed through the action of renin) to angiotensin II
Angiotensin II: potent vasoconstrictor that induces aldosterone secretion by the adrenal glands
Aldosterone: stimulates sodium and water resorption, which can raise BP
Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system
ACE Inhibitors thus lower BP.
ACE Inhibitors: Primary Effects on BP
Cardiovascular and renal
BP: reduce BP by decreasing SVR
ACE Inhibitors: Primary Effects on HF
How does it help with HF?
Diuresis?
Decreases? (2)
Prevent sodium and water resorption by inhibiting aldosterone secretion
Diuresis: decreases blood volume and return to the heart
Decreases preload, or the left ventricular end-diastolic volume [Preload: amount the ventricles stretch at the end of diastole/ filling of blood phase] [balloon fillng with air; how much it stretches]
Decreases work required of the heart
ACE Inhibitors: Cardioprotective Effects
ACE inhibitors decrease SVR (a measure of afterload) and preload.
Used to prevent complications after MI
Ventricular remodeling: left ventricular hypertrophy, which is sometimes seen after MI
Have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with HF
Drugs of choice for hypertensive patients with HF
ACE Inhibitors: Renal Protective Effects
Reduce glomerular filtration pressure
Cardiovascular drugs of choice for patients with diabetes
Reduce proteinuria
Standard therapy for diabetic patients to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy
ACE Inhibitors: Adverse Effects
Fatigue, dizziness, headache, impaired taste
Mood changes
First-dose hypotensive effect
Possible hyperkalemia
Dry, nonproductive cough, which reverses when therapy is stopped
Angioedema: rare but potentially fatal
Others
captopril (Capoten)
- Uses.
- Half-life
- Adminstered
Uses: prevention of ventricular remodeling after MI; reduces the risk of HF after MI
Shortest half-life
Must be administered 3 or 4 times throughout the day
enalapril (Vasotec)
- Routes
- what does not require cardiac monitoring?
- What is considered a Prodrug?
- Improves?
- Reduces?
Only ACE inhibitor available in both oral and parenteral preparations
enalapril at intravenous (IV) does not require cardiac monitoring
Oral enalapril sodium: prodrug
Improves patient’s chances of survival after an MI
Reduces the incidence of HF
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
- Also referred to as?
- Effects?
Also referred to as angiotensin II blockers
Well tolerated
Do not cause a dry cough
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Medications
losartan (Cozaar®)
telmisartan (Micardis®)
Other:
eprosartan mesylate (Teveten®)
valsartan (Diovan®)
candesartan cilexetil (Atacand®)
olmesartan (Benicar®)
azilsartan medoxomil potassium (Edarbi®)
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Affect primarily vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland
Selectively block the binding of angiotensin II to the type 1 angiotensin II receptors in these tissues
Block vasoconstriction and the secretion of aldosterone
Comparison of ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) appear to be equally effective for the treatment of hypertension.
Both are well tolerated.
ARBs do not cause cough.
There is evidence that ARBs are better tolerated and are associated with lower mortality after MI than are ACE inhibitors.
It is not yet clear whether ARBs are as effective as ACE inhibitors in treating HF (cardioprotective effects) or in protecting the kidneys (as in diabetes).
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Indications
Hypertension
Adjunctive drugs for
the treatment of HF
May be used alone or with other drugs such as diuretics
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Adverse Effects
Upper respiratory infections and headaches most common
Dizziness, inability to sleep
Diarrhea
Dyspnea, heartburn
Nasal congestion
Back pain
Fatigue
Hyperkalemia is less likely to occur than with the ACE inhibitors.
losartan (Cozaar)
Beneficial for pts with?
Used in caution in pts?
Not taken by?
Beneficial in patients with hypertension and HF
Used with caution in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction and in patients with renal artery stenosis
Not to be taken by breastfeeding women
Calcium Channel Blockers
- Indication
- Mechanism of action
Primary use: treatment of hypertension and angina
Hypertension: cause smooth muscle relaxation by blocking the binding of calcium to its receptors, thereby preventing contraction
Calcium Channel Blockers:Mechanism of Action results in?
Results in:
Decreased peripheral smooth muscle tone
Decreased SVR
Decreased BP
Calcium Channel Blockers: Indications
Angina
Hypertension: amlodipine (Norvasc®)
Antidysrhythmias
Migraine headaches
Raynaud’s disease
Cerebral artery spasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage (prevention): nimodipine
amlodipine (Norvasc®) indication
Hypertension: amlodipine (Norvasc®)
Diuretics Indication
First-line antihypertensives in the Canadian Hypertension Education Program guidelines for the treatment of hypertension
Diuretics mechanism of action
Decrease plasma and extracellular fluid volumes
Results
1. Decreased preload
2. Decreased cardiac output
3. Decreased total peripheral resistance
Overall effect
Decreased workload of the heart and decreased BP
What are the most commonly used diuretics for hypertension.
Thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorthiazide)
Vasodilators drugs
sodium nitroprusside (Nipride®)
Others:
diazoxide (Proglycem®)
hydralazine (Apresoline®)
minoxidil (Loniten®)
Vasodilators:Mechanism of Action
Directly relax arteriolar or venous smooth muscle (or both)
Used for their ability to cause peripheral vasodilation
Results in decreased SVR
Vasodilators: Indications
Treatment of hypertension
May be used in combination with other drugs
Sodium nitroprusside and IV diazoxide are reserved for the management of hypertensive emergencies.
Vasodilators: Adverse Effects [hydralazine]
dizziness, headache, anxiety, tachycardia, edema, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vitamin B6 deficiency, and rash
Vasodilators: Adverse Effects [minoxidil]
T-wave electrocardiographic changes, pericardial effusion or tamponade, angina, breast tenderness, rash, and thrombocytopenia
Vasodilators: Adverse Effects [sodium nitroprusside]
bradycardia, decreased platelet aggregation, rash, hypothyroidism, hypotension, methemoglobinemia, and (rarely) cyanide toxicity
Vasodilators: hydralazine (Apresoline®)
Routes and usage
Orally: routine cases of essential hypertension
Injectable: hypertensive emergencies
Vasodilators: sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress®)
- Indication
- Contraindication
Used in the critical care setting for severe hypertensive emergencies; titrated to effect by IV infusion
Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to the drug, severe HF, and known inadequate cerebral perfusion (especially during neurosurgical procedures)
Treatment of Hypertension
eplerenone (Inspra)
Class
Contraindication
New class: selective aldosterone blockers
Blocks action of aldosterone in kidney, heart, blood vessels, and brain
Contraindicated in patients with known drug allergy, elevated potassium (>5.5 mmol/L), or severe kidney impairment
Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
bosentan (Tracleer®)
Other drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension:
epoprostenol
treprostinil
ambrisentan
sildenafil and tadalafil
bosentan (Tracleer®)
Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Specifically indicated only for the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension in patients with moderate to severe HF
Action: blocks receptors of the hormone endothelin
What to assess prior administration?
General rule?
Monitor BP and HR prior to administration of antihypertensives (client and patient).
Need specific parameters. General rule: If apical HR <60 or SBP < 90 contact their HCP; medication will be held if BP and/or HR parameters are lower than above
Monitor lab values
(K+, possibly other electrolytes such as Na+ and Cl-, blood glucose, kidney function, liver function)
Nursing Implications
Before beginning therapy, obtain a thorough health history and perform a head-to-toe physical examination.
Assess for contraindications to specific antihypertensive drugs.
Assess for conditions that require cautious use of these drugs.
Educate patients about the importance of not missing a dose and taking the medications exactly as prescribed.
Instruct patients to check with their health care provider for instructions on what to do if a dose is missed; patients should never double up on doses if a dose is missed.
Monitor BP during therapy; instruct patients to keep a journal of regular BP checks
Nursing Implications
Instruct patients that these drugs should not be stopped abruptly, because this may cause a rebound hypertensive crisis and perhaps lead to stroke.
Oral forms should be given with meals so that absorption is more gradual and effective.
Administer IV forms with extreme caution
Must use an IV pump.
Nursing Implications
Remind patients that medication is only part of therapy.
Encourage patients to watch their diet, stress level, weight, and alcohol intake.
Instruct patients to avoid smoking and to avoid eating foods high in sodium.
Encourage supervised exercise.
Teach patients to change positions slowly to avoid syncope from postural hypotension.
Nursing Implications
Male patients who take these drugs may not be aware that impotence is an expected effect, and this may influence compliance with drug therapy.
If patients are experiencing serious adverse effects or if they believe the dose or medication needs to be changed, they should contact their health care provider immediately.
Monitor for adverse effects (dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue) and for toxic effects.
Monitor for therapeutic effects
Nursing Implications
Hot tubs, showers, or baths; hot weather; prolonged sitting or standing; physical exercise; and alcohol ingestion may aggravate low BP, leading to fainting and injury. Patients should sit or lie down until symptoms subside.
Patients should not take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, without first getting the approval of their health care provider
Educate patients about lifestyle changes that may be needed.
-Weight loss
-Stress management
-Supervised exercise
-Dietary measures
ACE Inhibitors can cause? (2) and Laboratory Values to identify and monitor?
ACE inhibitors can cause renal impairment, which can be identified by serum creatinine.
ACE inhibitors can also cause hyperkalemia, so potassium levels need to be monitored.
Monitor serum sodium during therapy.