BNF and Prescribing Flashcards
What do beta-blockers do in angina?
Work on beta 1 receptors in heart, they affect rate and contractility as they work on smooth muscle and nodal cells. It also works to stop renin production to vasodilate arteries, reducing afterload.
What do nitrates do in angina?
They provide nitric oxide to vessels that dilate blood vessels (atherosclerotic produce less). This helps to reduce afterload and as venous return decreases, preload is also lowered.
What do calcium channel blockers do in angina?
They block calcium receptors, so lower contractility and a lower heart rate which in turn, lowers preload and afterload.
What are the two types of calcium channel blockers?
Dihydropyridines. Most common types as they target blood vessels. The other type commonly targets the heart - Non-dihydropyridines.
What are the common treatment plans for angina and why?
Use GTN for when they go out for exercise but have a tablet that they take daily e.g. CCB or beta-blockers.
Long-term GTN can cause tolerance. GTN is faster acting to use just before you go out - sublingual spray.
What are the three most commonly used beta-blockers?
Bisoprolol - this is the most commonly used and widely used as you take fewer a day and is more specific to angina.
Atenolol
Propranolol - most commonly used for anxiety.
