Cardiac Meds

Question 1

What do calcium channel blockers do?

Answer 1

• Results in diminished myocardial contraction,
  vasodilation, decreased oxygen demand
• Results in decreased HR and BP

Question 2

PT Concerns for calcium channel blockers

Answer 2

RPE, OH, Peripheral edema, dyspnea

Question 3

Examples of calcium channel blockers

Answer 3

Examples: Amlodipine, Felodipine, Isradipine.
* Exemption - Cardizem

Question 4

What do ACE inhibitors do?

Answer 4

Decreased BP and afterload by suppressing the enzyme that converts Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II (which vasoconstricts)

• Relaxes blood vessels, decreases BP, decreases oxygen demand
• Results in decreased BP

Question 5

PT Concerns for ACE inhibitors

Answer 5

OH, dizziness, hyperkalemia (changes in electrical activity of heart)

Question 6

Examples of Ace inhibitors

Answer 6

Benazepril, Lisinopril, Perindopril

Question 7

What does an inotropic agent do?

Answer 7

Increases force and velocity of myocardial contraction

slows HR, decreases conduction through AV node (increases BP)

Question 8

What is an example of a positive iontrope?

Answer 8

Digitalis/Digoxin

• • Inotropic effect
• Improves cardiac pumping

Question 9

What do beta blockers do?

Answer 9

Decrease myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing HR and contractility

• Block the action of beta receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) located in the lungs, heart, skeletal muscles
• Beta blockers interfere with the bonding of to epinephrine, norepinephrine
• Results in decreased HR and BP

Question 10

Examples of beta blockers

Answer 10

Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol