Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action of Aspirin?
Aspirin is an NSAID that irreversibly inhibits COX-1 (and COX-2), producing prostaglandins.
It is an acetylating agent and attaches an acetylene group to the active site of a COX enzyme.
When would Aspirin be prescribed?
Aspirin can be used to alleviate arthritic and menstrual pain or reduce fever.
It also prevents blood clotting so is useful for patients with atherosclerosis or angina due to CHD.
What is the mechanism of action of Amlodipine?
Amlodipine inhibits calcium ion influx across the plasma membrane, causing vasodilation and reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure.
It increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart whilst reducing its workload.
When would Amlodipine be prescribed?
Amlodipine is prescribed to treat angina and prevent attacks of chest pain. It is also used to reduce blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Ramipril?
Ramipril inhibits ACE, reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and consequently that of aldosterone.
This reduces sodium and water retention, which lowers blood pressure.
When would Ramipril be prescribed?
- Hypertension (first line)
- Heart failure
- Secondary prevention after MI
What is the mechanism of action of Losartan?
Losartan inhibits angiotensin II receptors, meaning blood vessels relax and blood pressure lowers.
When would Losartan be prescribed?
To treat high blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Bisoprolol?
Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that inhibits renin secretion, therefore blocking the RAAS.
When would Bisoprolol be prescribed?
To treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
What is the mechanism of action of Atenolol?
Atenolol binds to beta-1 adrenergic receptors which blocks the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This slows the heart rate.
When would Atenolol be prescribed?
What patients would not typically be prescribed Atenolol?
To treat arrhythmias and angina.
It is not usually given to those with asthma.
What is the mechanism of action of Propranolol?
Propranolol inhibits renin release and blocks the RAAS. This in turn blocks the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine
When would Propranolol be prescribed?
What patients would not typically be prescribed Propranolol?
To treat arrhythmia and angina, and can be used to help control the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland.
It is not given to patients with respiratory diseases, especially those with asthma.
What is the mechanism of action of Metoprolol?
Metoprolol inhibits beta-1 adrenergic receptors which leads to a decrease in heart rate.
When would Metoprolol be prescribed?
To treat the rapid heart rate in those with angina, arrhythmias and hyperthyroidism.
What is the mechanism of action of Furosemide?
Furosemide increase the excretion of Na+ and water by the kidneys by inhibiting their reabsorption.
When would Furosemide be prescribed?
To treat oedema in patients with heart failure, and some lung/liver/kidney disorders.
What drug classification does Aspirin belong to?
NSAIDs
What drug classification does Amlodipine belong to?
Calcium Channel Blockers
What drug classification does Ramipril and Lisinopril belong to?
ACE Inhibitors
What drug classification does Losartan belong to?
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
What drug classification does Furosemide belong to?
Loop Diuretics
What is the mechanism of action of Clopidogrel?
What other common drug has the same mechanism?
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet that inhibits P2Y12 receptors, inhibiting ADP binding to platelet receptors.
Ticagrelor has the same mechanism.
What drug classification does Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor belong to?
Antiplatelets
What is Ramipril the first-line drug for?
Which patients are exempt from this? And what do they get first-line alternatively?
Hypertension
Afro-Caribbean patients should receive CCB as a first-line treatment for hypertension
In what situation is Ramipril contraindicated?
Pregnancy
Give examples of adverse effects of Ramipril and Lisinopril?
- Persistent dry cough
- Renal dysfunction
- Angioedema
What is the mechanism of action of Amlodipine?
Blocks K+channels therefore prolonging the refractory period
Also effective at blocking Na+, having a high affinity for inactivated channels
When would Amlodipine be prescribed?
Arrhythmias, particularly when other drugs are ineffective or contra-indicated
What is the first line treatment for hypertension in a patient under 55 years old?
Use an ACE-inhibitor
Swap to an ARB if ACEi not tolerated
What is the first line treatment of hypertension in a patient that is older than 55?
DHP calcium channel blockers
What is the first line treatment of hypertension in patients of African or Caribbean ethnicity?
DHP calcium channel blockers
What is the second line treatment of hypertension?
Combining calcium channel blockers and ACE-inhibitors / ARBs
What is the third line treatment of hypertension?
Adding a thiazide-like diuretic to the ACEi / ARB and/or CCBs already being taken
What is the fourth line treatment of hypertension when blood potassium levels are less than 4.5mmol/L ?
Add spironolactone to other medications being taken
What is the fourth line of treatment of hypertension when blood potassium levels are higher than 4.5mmol/L ?
You increase the amount of thiazide-like diuretics being prescribed
What other drugs can be given as a fourth line treatment for hypertension when blood potassium levels are less then 4.5mmol/L ?
Alpha blockers - such as doxacosin
Beta blockers - such as atenolol
What are the 4 pillars of therapy in heart failure?
- Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs)
- Beta blockers
- Mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs)
- Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)
What is quadruple therapy (specifically in relation to heart failure) ?
Using a combination of 4 drug classes to manage heart failure
What two drugs can be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure?
- Digoxin
- Frusemide
How should beta blockers be given in heart failure?
Started on a low dose and getting up-titrated to the highest dose that can be tolerated
When is a combination of hydralazine and nitrates used in heart failure?
When ACEi or ARBs are not tolerated
What SGLT2i inhibitor is commonly used in heart failure?
Ivabradine
What is the immediate treatment for stable angina?
GTN spray / tablets
What is the recommended long term treatment for stable angina?
What should you do if this is not tolerated?
Beta blockers - BB
If beta blockers not tolerated, give patient a calcium channel blocker - CCB
What lifestyle advice is given to patients with stable angina?
Name at least 3
- smoking cessation
- diet and exercise advice
- reducing alcohol consumption
- reducing BMI if possible
What are the three As of the secondary prevention of angina?
Aspirin
Atorvastatin
ACE inhibitors
What surgical method is often offered to patients with proximal or extensive disease on CTCA?
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - PCI
What surgical method is offered to patients with severe stenosis?
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - CABG
What is the first line management of acute DVT?
Anticoagulants
First line is Apixaban OR Rivaroxaban
If recommended first line treatment for acute DVT is not suitable, what should be given to the patient?
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) followed by:
Dabigatran / Edoxaban
OR
A vitamin K antagonist
What is the recommended secondary prevention for DVT?
Long term anticoagulation - a DOAC, LMWH
How long should secondary prevention of a provoke DVT with reversible factors be given for?
At least 3 months
How long should secondary prevention of a provoked DVT with irreversible factors be given for?
3 to 6 months or as lifelong treatment
How long should secondary prevention of an unprovoked DVT be given for?
3 to 6 months or as lifelong treatment
What are the recommended treatment options of a ischaemic stroke?
Thrombolysis - up to 4 and a half hours from symptom onset
A thrombectomy - up to 6 hours from symptom onset
What are the recommended treatment options for a haemorrhagic stroke?
Supportive measures
What is the secondary prevention measure of an embolic stroke?
Aspirin / Warfarin
What is the best secondary prevention measure associated with strokes?
Control of risk factors - diabetes, hypertension etc
What should patients with AF be given depending on their risk score?
Warfarin
What is the recommended management of an acute PE?
Anticoagulation - Apixaban or Rivaroxaban
What should be given if the recommended management of an acute PE is not suitable?
Give LMWH followed by either:
Dabigatran / Edoxaban
OR a vitamin K antagonist
What are the 3 long term anticoagulation drugs for a PE?
Warfarin
A DOAC - Apixaban, Rivaroxaban
LMWH
How long should secondary prevention measures be given to a patient presenting with a PE?
At least 3 months
If needed, 3-6 months or as a lifelong treatment
What may be given to patients with acute aortic regurgitation?
Vasodilators and inotropes
What type of drug can be useful in the management of chronic severe AR and heart failure?
ACE-inhibitors
What can we give to patients with Marfan’s in the hopes of slowing aortic dilation?
Beta blockers
What is indicated in symptomatic AR patients?
Valve replacement surgery
What would indicate a valve replacement surgery in asymptomatic AR patients?
Deteriorating left ventricle function
In mitral regurgitation patients who develop heart failure, what 2 drugs would we likely prescribe?
Diuretics or ACE-inhibitors
What 3 procedures can be done to manage mitral regurgitation?
Valve repair surgery
Valve replacement surgery
Open heart surgery
What is used in mitral regurgitation patients who cannot tolerate surgery?
Mitraclip
What drugs are given in the medical therapy of mitral stenosis?
Diuretics
What cardiac arrhythmia is commonly treated in mitral stenosis management?
Atrial fibrillation
What surgical procedure is used on patients with mitral stenosis?
Valve replacement surgery
In the case that surgery is not tolerated, what procedure is given to mitral stenosis patients?
A balloon valvuloplasty
What is given to ectopic atrial tachycardia patients with troublesome symptoms?
Beta blockers
What should you advise ectopic atrial tachycardia patients to avoid?
Stimulants - caffeine, cigarettes
What are the 3 main steps of stable SVT management?
What is the potential 4th step?
- The valsalva manoeuvre
- A carotid sinus massage
- IV adenosine or verapamil
- DCCV may be required if above fails
What 2 drugs are used in the management of stable SVT?
How are they administered?
Adenosine or Verapamil
Intravenously
What is the preferred long term treatment of paroxysmal SVT in young patients?
Radiofrequency ablation
What are the 3 most common drugs used in the long term management of paroxysmal SVT in older patients?
Amiodarone
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
What class of drugs are used to manage stable ventricular tachycardia?
Give 2 examples
Anti-arrhythmic
Amiodarone or Lignocaine
If medical therapy fails to manage stable VT what can then be used?
Direct Current Cardioversion
How is unstable VT with a pulse managed?
Direct Current Cardioversion
How is pulseless VT managed?
Defibrillation
What may be the first treatment of VF?
CPR
What should be used alongside CPR in the initial treatment of VF?
A defibrillator
After the 3rd (and/or 5th) defib shock what should be administered to patients?
IV Amiodarone
What other procedures can be considered in the treatment of VF?
Coronary angiography
Catheter ablation
What should be used in the long term management of VF?
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
What should be carried out in patients with life-threatening haemodynamic instability?
Emergency electrical cardioversion
What drug should be offered at initial presentation of atrial fibrillation?
Heparin
What are the 3 drugs that can be used for rate control in patients with AF?
Beta blockers - atenolol
Calcium channel blockers - diltiazem
Digoxin (only in sedentary patients)
What procedure can be used in the rate control of AF?
AV node ablation
What 3 drugs can be given in the long term medical rhythm control of AF?
Beta blockers - first line
Dronedarone - second line
Amiodarone - heart failure patients
For patients with paroxysmal AF may be prescribed which drug as a ´pill-in-the-pocket´approach?
What does this mean?
Flecanide
It is taken only when they feel symptoms begin to arise
What are the 2 most commonly used drugs for long term anticoagulation in patients with AF?
Warfarin
DOACs
What is typically used in the management of symptomatic acute paroxysm?
Cardioversion
Most commonly Direct Current Cardioversion (DCCV) as this is a defib
What should be given to patients who have had atrial flutter for more than 1 or 2 days?
How long should this be given?
Anticoagulants - 3 week course
What is typically used for the management of recurrent atrial flutter?
Catheter Ablation
What 2 types of drug can be used in the case of recurrent atrial flutter if required?
Beta blockers or class III anti-arrhythmetics
What 2 drugs are commonly used in the treatment of a STEMI?
Aspirin and Clopidogrel
What 2 types of drugs are given intravenously in the early treatment of a STEMI?
Anti-emetics
Analgesia (morphine)
When should oxygen be given to a STEMI patient?
If they are hypoxic
What procedure should be carried out for a STEMI within 120 minutes of symptom onset?
What should be used if this is not possible?
Primary angioplasty
If not possible - thrombolysis
What is a primary angioplasty and when should it be used?
A procedure in which a catheter is inserted into a blocked artery and inserts a stent through the use of a small balloon for expansion
It should be used in the treatment of a STEMI
What type of drugs are used in NSTEMI patients to inhibit the coagulation cascade?
Antithrombotic drugs
What is the preferred first agent in dual-anti platelet therapy for a NSTEMI?
Clopidogrel
What is the most common procedure used in the treatment of a NSTEMI?
Coronary Angiography
What are the 4 phases of cardiac rehabilitation?
- In-patient care
- The early post discharge period
- A structured exercise programme
- A long term maintenance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle
What lifestyle advice can be given for the secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome?
Smoking cessation!!
Eating well
Reducing alcohol consumption
Controlling risk factors (diabetes, bp, cholesterol levels etc)
What 4 types of medications can be used in the secondary prevention of ACS?
Aspirin
ACE inhibitors
Beta blockers
Statins