Cardiovascular drugs Flashcards
Cardiovascular drugs
These are the common name of compounds used to treat different heart disorders (such as congestive heart failure, angina, or arrhythmia) or diseases of the vascular system (e.g., hypertension).
Cardiovascular drugs purpose
They affect heart function in three main ways: by affecting the force of contraction of the heart muscle (inotropic effects); by affecting the frequency of the heartbeat, or heart rate (chronotropic effects); or by affecting the regularity of heartbeat (rhythmic effects).
Anticoagulants
(Also known as Blood Thinners.)
Decreases the clotting (coagulating) ability of the blood. Sometimes called blood thinners, although they do not actually thin the blood. They do NOT dissolve existing blood clots. Used to treat certain blood vessel, heart and lung conditions.
Antiplatelet Agents and Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT)
Helps prevent clotting in patients who have had a heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic strokes, TIA (transient ischemic attacks) and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Can also be prescribed preventively when plaque buildup is evident but there is not yet a major blockage in the artery.
Certain patients will be prescribed aspirin combined with another antiplatelet drug – also known as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Expands blood vessels and decreases resistance by lowering levels of angiotensin II. Allows blood to flow more easily and makes the heart’s work easier or more efficient.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (or Inhibitors)
(Also known as ARBs)
Rather than lowering levels of angiotensin II (as ACE inhibitors do) angiotensin II receptor blockers prevent this chemical from having any effect on the heart and blood vessels. This keeps blood pressure from rising.
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)
Neprilysin is an enzyme that breaks down natural substances in the body that open narrowed arteries. By limiting the effect of neprilysin, it increases the effects of these substances and improves artery opening and blood flow, reduces sodium (salt) retention, and decreases strain on the heart.
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)
Neprilysin is an enzyme that breaks down natural substances in the body that open narrowed arteries. By limiting the effect of neprilysin, it increases the effects of these substances and improves artery opening and blood flow, reduces sodium (salt) retention, and decreases strain on the heart.
Beta Blockers
(Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents)
Decreases the heart rate and force of contraction, which lowers blood pressure and makes the heart beat more slowly and with less force.
Combined Alpha and Beta-Blockers
Interrupts the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. May decrease the heart’s pumping strength and relax blood vessels.
Digitalis Preparations
Increases the force of the heart’s contractions. Can be beneficial in treating heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
Diuretics
Causes the body to rid itself of excess fluids and sodium through urination. Helps to reduce the heart’s workload. Also decreases the buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, such as the ankles and legs. Different diuretics remove fluid at varied rates and through different methods.
Vasodilators
Relaxes blood vessels and decreases blood pressure.
A category of vasodilators called nitrates increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload which can ease chest pain (angina). Nitroglycerin is available as a pill to be swallowed or absorbed under the tongue (sublingual), a spray, and as a topical application (cream).
