April 8, 2016 - Pharmacotherapy of Anti-Hypertensives

Question 1

Available Antihypertensives

Answer 1

Diuretics

Beta-blockers

ACEi

ARBs

Calcium channel blockers

Alpha-blockers

Vasodilators

Question 2

Thiazide Diuretics

Answer 2

Inhibit the reabsorption of 3-5% of filtered sodium

Cheap and effective

Greater anti-hypertensive effects than loop diuretics

Question 3

Loop Diuretics

Answer 3

Inhibit reabsorption of 25% of filtered sodium

Excellent for volume control, but should not be used as a first-line treatment

Side effects are hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hyperuricemia, and ototoxicity at high doses.

Question 4

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 4

Arterial vasodilators

Question 5

HTN Urgency vs Emergency

Answer 5

Urgency - severe elevations of BP without evidence of acute or rapidly progressive target organ dysfunction.

Emergency - severe elevations of BP with evidence of acute or rapidly progressive target organ dysfunction.