Cardiac Medications Flashcards
Nitrates/vasodilators
- relax blood vessels
- increases blood flow oxygen to heart
- reduce cardiac workload
- ease angina/chest pain
Isordil, minoxidil, nitroglycerin
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
- decrease preload through peripheral vasodilation
- reduce myocardial oxygen demand
- improve blood flow
- antihypertensive
Capoten, Monopril, Vasotec
Angiotensin II receptor (ARB) inhibitors
- block effects of angiotensin to prevent blood pressure from rising
- antihypertensive
Cozaar, Midcardis
Beta-blocker
- reduce myocardial demand by reducing heart rate and contractility
- dec control arrhythmias
- dec chest pain
- antihypertensive
Caution: taking beta-blockers may not demo expected increase in heart rate or blood pressure during the activity or exercise; therefore, the therapist should adjust expect parameters accordingly and utlizie rate of perceived exertions (RPE) scales
atenolol, Corfard, Inderal, metoprolol/Lopressor, propranolol
Calcium channel blockers
- inhibit flow of calcium ions
- decrease heart rate
- dec contractility
- dilate coronary arteries
- act as antihyperensive
- control arrhymias
- control angina
Cardizem, Norvasc, Procardia
Digitals (cardiac glycosides)
- increase contractility
- decrease heart rate
- mainstay in the treatment of CHF
digoxin
Diuretics
- decrease myocardial work (reduce preload and afterload)
- antihypertensive
- causes loss of excess water and sodium through urination
- reduce buildup of fluid in lungs and body tissues
Lasix, “water pills”
Tranquilizers
- decrease anxiety
- sympathetic effects (drowisness, dec, hard and resp rate, decreased BP)
Hypolipidemic agents
- reduce serum lipid levels when diet and weight reductions are not effective
Colestid, Mevacor, Zocor
Anticoagulants
Caution
- blood thinner
- work to prevent blood clot formation that may interfere with blood circulation or cause venous thrombosis
- used to treat certain bood vessel, heart, lung conditions
- often prescribed to prevent first or recurrent strokes
Caution: bruising or cuts; cuts take longer to stop bleeding or require immediate medical attention
warfarin, Coumadin, heparin
Antiplatelet agents
- prevent platelets from forming clots
- usually prescribed for unstable angina, after MI or transient ischemic attack or as a preventative measure in early stages of CAD
- dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) prescribes aspirin and another antiplatelet agents together
aspirin, Plavix
