Cardio Pharmacology Flashcards
Action: alpha adrenergic antagonist agents
- dilation of arterioles and veins
- decreases BP
Alpha adrenergic antagonist agents: PT implications
Risk of dizziness/orthostatic hypotension
Action: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Decrease BP
Decrease afterload
ACE inhibitors: PT implications
- Risk of dizziness/fainting from hypotension
- Avoid sudden changes in posture
- pts with heart failure should avoid rapid increases in physical activity
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist agents: implications for PT
Minimal
4 classes of antiarrhythmic agents
Class I: sodium channel blockers
Class II: beta blockers
Class III: prolong repolarization
Class IV: calcium channel blockers
These are often considered the most effective antiarrhythmic agent
Class III
Action: sodium channel blockers
Control cardiac excitation and conduction
Action: beta blockers
Inhibit sympathetic activity
Action: Class III antiarrhythmic agents
Prolong repolarization by inhibitin potassium and sodium channels
Action: calcium channel blockers
Depress depolarization and slow conduction through AV node
Antiarrhythmic agents: implications for PT
Encourage regular dosing schedule, immediately report adverse rxns to HC professional
Action: anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents
Inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation
Anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents: PT implications
Be careful to avoid injury 2/2 risk of excessive bleeding or bruising
Most common type of antihyperlipidemia agents
Statins
Action: statins
- Inhibit enzyme action in cholesterol synthesis
- Break down LDL
- decrease triglycerides
- Increase HDL
Antihyperlipidemia agents: PT implications
Aerobic exercise can increase HDL and maximize effects of drug therapy
Action: beta blockers
Decrease HR
Decrease contractility
Beta blocker agents: PT implications
- HR and BP response to exercise diminished
- Increased risk for orthostatic hypotension
Action: calcium channel blocker agents
Decrease myocardial contraction, vasodilation
Decrease oxygen demand of the heart
Calcium channel blocker agents: PT implications
- Diminished HR and BP response to exercise
- Observe for s/s of CHF
S/s CHF for a pt on calcium channel blockers
- worsening peripheral edema
- dyspnea
- weight gain
Actions: diuretics
- Increase secretion of sodium in urine
- Reduces plasma volume
Diuretics: What happens to BP with a reduction in plasma volume?
Decreases
Diuretics: PT implications
- Decreased BP increase risk of dizziness/falls with positional changes
- monitor for s/s of electrolyte imbalance and muscle weakness/cramping
Action: nitrates
Decrease ischemia (smooth muscle releaxation and dilation of peripheral vessels)
Sublingual administration of nitroglycerin is the preferred method to treat
Acute angina attack
Nitrates: PT implications
Instruct pt to stand slowly to minimize risk of orthostatic hypotension
Positive inotropic agents: actions
- Increase force and velocity of contraction
- Slow HR
- Decrease conduction velocity through AV node
- Decrease sympathetic activation
Uses for positive inotropic agents
- heart failure
- atrial fibrillation
Action: thrombolytic agents
Facilitate clot dissolution
Thrombolytic agents: PT implications
Avoid trauma due to altered clotting activity
