Cardiovascular Medications

Question 1

Anticoagulants

Answer 1

blood thinners

decreases the blood’s ability to clot

Apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, etc

Question 2

Antiplatelet Agents

Answer 2

helps reduce blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots

aspirin

Question 3

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

Answer 3

ACE inhibitor

expands the patient’s blood vessels which decreases energy required for heart to pump

Question 4

Beta Blocker

Answer 4

decreases heart rate and contraction strength to decrease blood pressure

Question 5

Combined alpha and beta

Answer 5

prescribed to patients with high blood pressure and heart failure

standing up may cause drop in blood pressure (sit up slowly)

Question 6

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 6

used to lower blood pressure and chest pain

interrupts calcium movement into the heart and blood vessels which will decrease the heart’s contraction strength for pumping blood

Question 7

Digitalis

Answer 7

used to increase heart contraction force to treat heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia

digoxin (lanoxin)

Question 8

Diuretics

Answer 8

prescribed to reduce excess fluids and sodium via urination

helps lower blood pressure, reduce swelling in the legs, and reduce the buildup of fluid in the lungs