Cardiovascular Medications

Question 1

What are anticoagulants?

Answer 1

also known as blood thinners, decreases the blood’s ability to clot. Often prescribed to prevent first or recurrent strokes

Question 2

Anti-platelet Agents

Answer 2

helps to reduce blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. Would be prescribed to someone who has never had a major blockage but could in the future (MI)

Question 3

Angiotension- converting enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

Answer 3

expands the patient’s blood vessels which decrease the energy required for the heart to pump. For high blood pressure, heart failure

Question 4

Beta-adrenergic blocking agent

Answer 4

also known as betablockers, decreases heart rate and contraction strength to decrease blood pressure. Can be for patients who may have cardiac arrhythmia or to prevent future heart attacks as a prophylactic measure

Question 5

Combined Alpha & Beta Blockers

Answer 5

prescribed to patients with high blood pressure and heart failure. This combo is notorious for patients when they stand up it may cause a drop in their blood pressure.

Question 6

Calcium Channel Blocker

Answer 6

used to lower blood pressure and for chest pain. Interrupts calcium movement into the heart and blood vessels which will decrease the hearts contraction strength for pumping blood.

Question 7

Digitalis

Answer 7

Used to increase heart contraction force to treat heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. helps relieve heart failure symptoms especially when patient isn’t responding to other regular treatments to slow irregular heartbeat. Helpful for patients that tend to go into atrial fibrillation