Cardiac Medications Flashcards
Cardiac glycosides
Derived from plants.
Block certain ionic punks in heart cell membranes which indirectly increase calcium concentrations.
Ex) digoxin
Goal of Antihypertensive medications
1) keep blood pressure in normal range
2) maintain or improve blood flow
3) reduce stress placed on heart
Diuretics
Cause the kidneys to remove excess amounts of salt and water decreasing the stress placed on the cardiovascular system.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ace) inhibitors
Target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to suppress the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Block angiotensin II from binding to its receptor sites
Used to tx CHF and vascular disease
Thiazide diuretics
Specifically control the sodium and water quantities excreted by the kidneys
Loop diuretics
Lower the concentration of sodium and calcium ions in the body (can lead to excessively low potassium)
Vasodilator medications
Act on smooth muscles of the arterioles and veins
Sympathetic blocking agents
Includes beta blockers and adrenergic inhibitors.
They decrease cardiac output and the production of renin.
Effects of dopamine
1 alpha systemic vasoconstriction
2 beta increase HR and contractility
3 dopaminergic promoting cerebral vasodilation and improved urine output
Role of norepinephrine
Sympathetic agent causing vasodilation used to increase the blood pressure when hypotension is caused by vasodilation.
Role of dopamine
Sympathetic agent used at low dose (beta) to increase the force of cardiac contraction in Cardiogenic shock. It’s dilation effects on renal and mesentric arteries mean that dopamine may help maintain urine flow and good perfusion to abdominal organs.
