antihypertensive drugs Flashcards
Systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic above 90 mmHg
hypertension
HTN if left untreated, pt is at risk for
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Stroke
- Heart Failure
- Renal Failure
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
Lifestyle modifications for HTN
- Weight loss
- Reduction of stress
- Dietary changes
Seven different categories for anti-hypertensive therapy:
- Diuretics
- Adrenergic
- Antiadrenergic
- Vasodilators
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB’s)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB’s)
action of diuretics for HTN
Increase the excretion of sodium from the body
—->
Decrease Sodium = decrease water retention = decrease in blood pressure
Alpha adrenergic blocking drugs
- Block a-adrenergic receptors
- Effect on receptors that control vascular system
Beta adrenergic blocking drugs
- Block B adrenergic receptors
- Primarily receptors of heart
Antiadrenergic
block adrenergic nerve fibers
Vasodilator drugs
dilate vessels = lower blood pressure
Calcium channel blockers
inhibits movement of calcium across cell membranes =decrease transmission of nerve impulse
ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme)
- Not completely understood
- Prevents conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II which is a powerful vasoconstrictor
- This then prevents release of Aldosterone by the Adrenal Cortex (thus preventing Sodium and Water retention)
Vasodilators ____ the size of the ____ or opening in the artery thus ___ pressure against vessel surface and ___ pressure against which the heart has to beat to propel blood forward
Increase; lumen; less; less.
lowers blood pressure
Antihypertensive combination drugs
- Combination of antihypertensive and a diuretic
- Used in cases where the patient does not respond to one type of anti-hypertensive drug alone.
Adverse reactions of combination drugs
- orthostatic hypotension
- hypotensive effects increased
vasodilating drugs; watch for:
- Heart rate 20 beats/more over normal rate
- Rapid weight gain of 5 lb or more
- Unusual swelling of extremities, face, abd
- Dyspnea, angina, fainting
ACE inhibitors; watch for:
- On empty stomach
- Watch for drop in BP
If a significant decrease in the blood pressure occurs after a dose of an adrenergic blocking drug,
the nurse should withhold the drug and notify the primary care provider immediately.
Significant increase in BP
needs to be reported as dosage may need to be adjusted or drug therapy changed
