Cardiovascular Drugs

Question 1

the cardiovascular system consist of?

Answer 1

1. The Heart
2. The Blood Vessels

Question 2

The main function of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 2

To transport blood to from the body tissues

Question 3

Normal Cardiac Cycle

Answer 3

The atria contracts pushing blood into the ventricles
The ventricles push the blood out to the body tissues

Question 4

Cardiac muscle contractions is controlled by?

Answer 4

Depolarization of cardiac muscle cells causes contraction

Question 5

What are the heart valves?

Answer 5

1. Tricuspid Valve (Right AV Valve)
2. Mitral Valve (Left AV Valve)

Question 6

Vasodilators are used to?

Answer 6

Prevent vasoconstriction from occurring

Question 7

Vasoconstriction is the body’s response to?

Answer 7

Low blood pressure due to a failing heart

Question 8

Why are vasodilators prescribed to patients with congested heart failure?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What is the most common reason for congestive heart failure in dogs?

Answer 9

Abnormal heart valve. Most commonly an abnormal mitral valve

Question 10

All vasodilators cause hypotension or hypertension?

Answer 10

Hypotension

Question 11

Common vasodilator drugs used in vet med?

Answer 11

1. Amlodipine
2. Hydralazine
3. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
4. Prazosin
5. Nitroglycerin

Question 12

Amlodipine clinical use?

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Amlodipine is commonly used in what species?

Answer 13

Dogs

Question 14

Hydralazine is commonly used?

Answer 14

In clinic as an ER drug for congestive heart failure
- Animal in crisis that cannot breathe due to fluid in the lungs

Question 15

Hydralazine works by?

Answer 15

Causing direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle by interfering with calcium movement

Question 16

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors clinical use?

Answer 16

Prescribed for long term management of heart failure
*Works by blocking the formation of the Angiotensin II which is responsible for vasoconstriction & sodium retention

Question 17

Prazosin works by?

Answer 17

Blocking vasoconstrictions by blocking the sympathetic nervous system

Question 18

Prazosin is commonly prescribed?

Answer 18

• In urethral obstruction as it relaxes the urinary sphincter allowing for easier urination after the animals has been unblocked.
• Not common to prescribe in animals w/ high blood pressure &/or congestive heart failure

Question 19

Nitroglycerin clinical use?

Answer 19

Common to use on an amergency basis when a patient with congestive heart failure is in crisis
Prescribed for long term management of congestive heart failure

Question 20

Nitroglycerin formulation?

Answer 20

Topical - Apply to hairless area & use gloves

Question 21

Nitroglycerin side effects

Answer 21

Hypertension
*Blood pressure monitoring is recommended

Question 22

Diuretics are used to?

Answer 22

To remove water from the body when the fluid accumulates in unwanted space

Question 23

Diuretics cause increase?

Answer 23

Urine formation to promote water loss from the body which decreases the volume of blood the heart has to pump

Question 24

Fluid accusation in the abdomen is a sign of?

Answer 24

right sided heart failure

Question 25

Fluid accusation in the lungs is a sign of?

Answer 25

Left sided heart failure

Question 26

Common diuretics used in vet med?

Answer 26

1. Furosemide 2. Spironolactone 3. Thiazide Diuretics 4. Mannitol

Question 27

Furosemide prevents?

Answer 27

Reabsorption of sodium from the renal tubules

Question 28

Furosemide side effects?

Answer 28

Prolonged use can lead to abnormally low potassium levels *blood chem panels are recommended to monitor

Question 29

Spironolactone is considered a?

Answer 29

Aldosterone Antagonist

Question 30

Spironolactone clinical use?

Answer 30

Congestive heart failure especially if hypokalemia is a concern *It eliminates the sodium & conserves the potassium

Question 31

Thiazide Diuretics clinical use?

Answer 31

- More commonly prescribed in humans - Prevents reabsorption of sodium from the renal tubule

Question 32

Thiazide Diuretic side effects?

Answer 32

- Prolonged use can lead to abnormally low potassium levels - Less potent than Furosemide - Loses effectiveness with long term use

Question 33

Mannitol is used to?

Answer 33

Treat central nervous system edema from head trauma - swelling in the brain

Question 34

Mannitol works by?

Answer 34

Creating an osmotic force that keeps water in the renal tubule & prevents water accumulation in the brain especially when inflammation is present after a trauma

Question 35

Mannitol must be given?

Answer 35

IV

Question 36

Mannitol should not be given to patients w/

Answer 36

Congestive Heart Failure

Question 37

Aspirin is used to?

Answer 37

- Prevent platelet aggregation to prevent clot formation - Reduced change of clot formation - Mot commonly prescribed anymore

Question 38

When is aspirin prescribed?

Answer 38

Saddle Thrombis in Cats

Question 39

Bronchdilators are?

Answer 39

Aminophulline & Theophylline *Improve contractility by increasing oxygen delivering to the heart muscles

Question 40

Sedatives & Tranquilzers are used

Answer 40

To decrease sympathetic nervous system stimulation by calming the animal down