Cardiovascular drugs

Question 1

Anti-arrhythmic drugs

Answer 1

Sodium Influx Inhibitors (CLASS 1)
Beta Blockers (CLASS 2)
Potassium channel blockers (CLASS 3)
Calcium channel blockers (CLASS 4)

Question 2

Arrhythmia definition

Answer 2

any abnormal pattern of electrical activity in the heart

Question 3

Sodium influx inhibitors - action

Answer 3

Reduces influx of sodium into the myocardium which slows the heart rate and allows sinus rhythm to return to normal

Question 4

Sodium influx inhibitors - Examples

Answer 4

• Lidocaine/ligoncaine
• Quinidine
• Procainamide
• Mexiletine

Question 5

Sodium influx inhibitors - side effects

Answer 5

If conduction is slowed too much, depolarisation can stop at the AV node, preventing conduction to the ventricles. – Atrioventricular block
This can be detected on and ECG as an ossasional Pwave which is not followed by the QRD complex.

Cats are sensitive to lignocaine - can develop bradycardia and sizures

Question 6

Sodium influx inhibitors - Clinical uses

Answer 6

Treats tachyarrhythmias

Question 7

Beta blockers - action

Answer 7

(MAKE YOU FEEL BETA)
Blocks the sympathetic nervous system, slows everything down to help prevent arrhythmias.

Can be used in humans to reduce heart palpitations related to anxiety.

Question 8

Beta blockers - examples

Answer 8

• PropanLOL
• CarvediLOL
• MetoproLOL
• AtenoLOL
• EsmoLOL

Question 9

Beta blockers - clinical uses

Answer 9

Hypertension 
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathies
Hyperthyroidism
Glaucoma
Heart Failure

Question 10

Beta blockers - side effects

Answer 10

• Bradycardia
• Heart failure
• syncope (fainting)
• Bronchoconstriction
• Diarrheoa
• Peripheral vasoconstriction
• Weaken force of cardiac contraction

Question 11

Beta blockers - side effects

Answer 11

• Bradycardia
• Heart failure
• syncope (fainting)
• Bronchoconstriction
• Diarrheoa
• Peripheral vasoconstriction
• Weaken force of cardiac contraction

Question 12

Calcium Channel Blockers - action

Answer 12

Drugs work by slowing the movement of calcium into cardiac muscle cells.
decreasing conduction and slowing the hear allowing normal rhythms to be restored

Question 13

Calcium Channel Blockers - examples

Answer 13

Verapamil
Diltazem (hypercard)
Amlodipine - hypertension in cats

Question 14

Calcium Channel Blockers - side effects

Answer 14

Decreased force of cardiac contractions (negative inotropic effects)
Hypotension and bradycardia
AVOID IN CASES OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
GI Upset

Question 15

Calcium Channel Blockers - clinical uses

Answer 15

supraventricular tachycardia
heart failure
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
circulatory shock and trauma

Question 16

Positive inotropes

Answer 16

drugs that increase the strength of contractions made by the heart.
Thickened or weak myocardium walls are unable to contract adequately

Question 17

Vasodilators

Answer 17

Drugs that cause the blood vessels to dilate

Leeds to an increased volume of blood being pumped around the body

Question 18

Diuretics

Answer 18

Drugs which increase diuresis.
Reduces blood volume by removing water
can be useful when there is an excess amount of fluid in cardiovascular system

Question 19

Positive inotropes - action

Answer 19

Increase the strength of cardiac contraction

Question 20

Positive Inotropes

- What are catecholamines?

Answer 20

Catecholamines are chemicals produced by the body which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system

Question 21

Positive Inotropes

- Catecholamines, examples - natural

Answer 21

-Norepinphrine
Epinephrine
Dopamine

Question 22

Positive Inotropes

- Catecholamines, examples - synthetic

Answer 22

Dobuatmine
Increases contractility
Used to treat septicf and cardiogenic shock