Cardiovascular Drugs Flashcards
the cardiovascular system consist of?
- The Heart
- The Blood Vessels
The main function of the cardiovascular system?
To transport blood to from the body tissues
Normal Cardiac Cycle
The atria contracts pushing blood into the ventricles
The ventricles push the blood out to the body tissues
Cardiac muscle contractions is controlled by?
Depolarization of cardiac muscle cells causes contraction
What are the heart valves?
- Tricuspid Valve (Right AV Valve)
- Mitral Valve (Left AV Valve)
Vasodilators are used to?
Prevent vasoconstriction from occurring
Vasoconstriction is the body’s response to?
Low blood pressure due to a failing heart
Why are vasodilators prescribed to patients with congested heart failure?
Renin release system by the kidney is why vasodilators are prescribed to animals w/ congested heart failure to prevent further water retention & increase blood volume. This in return makes the heart stronger but does not reverse the heart failure that has already happened.
What is the most common reason for congestive heart failure in dogs?
Abnormal heart valve. Most commonly an abnormal mitral valve
All vasodilators cause hypotension or hypertension?
Hypotension
Common vasodilator drugs used in vet med?
- Amlodipine
- Hydralazine
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Prazosin
- Nitroglycerin
Amlodipine clinical use?
- Used to control high blood pressure in dogs & cats even when no heart issue is associated
- Vasodilators
- Use to prevent vasoconstriction in dogs/cats with congestive heart failure
- Calcium channel blocker that causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle
Amlodipine is commonly used in what species?
Dogs
Hydralazine is commonly used?
In clinic as an ER drug for congestive heart failure
- Animal in crisis that cannot breathe due to fluid in the lungs
Hydralazine works by?
Causing direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle by interfering with calcium movement
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors clinical use?
Prescribed for long term management of heart failure
*Works by blocking the formation of the Angiotensin II which is responsible for vasoconstriction & sodium retention