Cardiovascular Pharmacology Flashcards
What are the main functions of the sympathetic nervous system?
Activated during stress, increases cardiac output, decreases visceral blood flow, increases cellular metabolism, more diffuse reactions.
What are the main functions of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Slows down the heart, encourages inactivity, increases intestinal digestion and absorption, stores energy for future needs, more focused on specific organs.
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?
Acetylcholine (ACh).
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
Norepinephrine (NE).
What are the main types of adrenergic receptors?
Alpha and beta receptors.
What are the main types of cholinergic receptors?
Muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.
How do beta-blockers work?
Side effects = ?
They compete with epinephrine and norepinephrine for beta-receptor binding sites, reducing heart rate and contractility.
What are common side effects of beta-blockers?
Fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, bronchoconstriction, hypotension, dizziness.
What is the mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors?
They inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure.
Name three common ACE inhibitors.
Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril.
What is the baroreceptor reflex?
A reflex mechanism that helps maintain stable blood pressure levels by adjusting heart rate and vascular resistance.
What are the effects of the baroreceptor reflex on blood pressure?
Increases in sympathetic discharge increase heart rate and peripheral resistance, while decreases in sympathetic discharge reduce them..
How do diuretics help manage hypertension?
They increase the excretion of sodium and water, reducing plasma volume and blood pressure.
What are the main types of diuretics?
Thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
What is the primary action of loop diuretics?
Inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to increased urine output.
Name two common loop diuretics.
Furosemide (Lasix), Torsemide (Demadex).
What is the primary action of thiazide diuretics?
Inhibit sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule of the nephron.
Name two common thiazide diuretics.
Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide.
What is the primary action of potassium-sparing diuretics?
Prevent potassium secretion in the distal tubule, leading to increased sodium and water excretion.
Name two common potassium-sparing diuretics.
Spironolactone (Aldactone), Triamterene (Dyrenium).
What are sympatholytics and how do they work?
They inhibit the function of the sympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure.
What are the primary uses of sympatholytics?
Treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
What is the mechanism of action for vasodilators?
They inhibit the contraction of vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation.
Name two common vasodilators.
Hydralazine, Minoxidil.
What are common side effects of vasodilators?
Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, headache, fluid retention.
What is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)?
A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
How do ACE inhibitors affect the RAAS?
They suppress the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure.
What are ARBs and how do they differ from ACE inhibitors?
Angiotensin II receptor blockers prevent angiotensin II from binding to its receptors, unlike ACE inhibitors which prevent its formation.
Name two common ARBs.
Losartan, Valsartan.
What are common side effects of ARBs?
Generally well tolerated, but can cause dizziness, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment.
What are calcium channel blockers and how do they work?
They inhibit calcium influx into smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.
Name two common calcium channel blockers.
Amlodipine, Diltiazem.
What are common side effects of calcium channel blockers?
Flushing, dizziness, headache, edema, constipation.
What is the role of autonomic reflexes in homeostasis?
They help maintain stable internal conditions by adjusting autonomic output.
How can drugs alter autonomic reflexes?
By influencing the integration of autonomic responses in the central nervous system.
What are cholinergic stimulants and how do they work?
Drugs that increase activity at acetylcholine synapses by directly binding to receptors or inhibiting acetylcholine breakdown.
Name two cholinergic stimulants.
Methacholine, Donepezil.
What are anticholinergic drugs and how do they work?
Drugs that reduce activity at acetylcholine synapses, primarily affecting the parasympathetic nervous system.
Name two common anticholinergic drugs.
Atropine, Ipratropium.
What are adrenergic agonists and how do they work?
Drugs that mimic the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters, increasing heart rate and contraction strength.
Name two adrenergic agonists.
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine.
What are adrenergic antagonists and how do they work?
Drugs that block sympathetic neurotransmitter effects, reducing heart rate and contraction strength.
Name two adrenergic antagonists.
Propranolol, Atenolol.
What are antiarrhythmic agents and how do they work?
Drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by modifying the electrical activity of the heart.
Name the four classes of antiarrhythmic agents.
Class I (Sodium blockers), Class II (Beta-blockers), Class III (Potassium blockers), Class IV (Calcium blockers).
What are anticoagulants and how do they work?
Drugs that prevent blood clot formation by inhibiting thrombin.
Name two common anticoagulants.
Heparin, Warfarin.
What are antiplatelet agents and how do they work?
Drugs that prevent platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
Name two common antiplatelet agents.
Aspirin, Clopidogrel.
What are thrombolytic agents and how do they work?
Drugs that dissolve existing blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin.
Name two common thrombolytic agents.
Alteplase, Tenecteplase.
What are statins and how do they work?
Drugs that inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver, reducing LDL levels.
Name two common statins.
Atorvastatin, Simvastatin.
What are common side effects of statins?
Muscle pain, liver damage, digestive problems.
What medication do you think are used as the first-line agent for most asthma patients?
- B-Blockers
- Glucocorticoids
- SABA
- Antihistamines
Glucocorticoids
What medication do you think are primarily used for COPD patients?
- Bronchodilators
- Antitussives
- Anticholinergics
- Leukotriene Inhibitors
- Bronchodilators
- Anticholinergics
Which COPD condition would primarily benefit from Glucocorticoids?
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
What medication do you think is the primary used medication to manage acute, stable angina pain?
- B-Blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Nitroglycerin
- Nitroglycerin
When should you call EMS for a patient taking nitroglycerin?
- After they take 1 tablet with no effect
- You should immediately call EMS
- After they take 3 tablets with no effect
- After they take 2 tablets with no effect
- After they take 2 tablets with no effect
Which medication do you think is the first line of defense for the treatment of CHF?
- Oxygen
- Anti-ischemic Meds
- Digitalis
- Antianxiety medication
- Digitalis
What medications are not used to decrease cardiac workload?
- ACE inhibitors
- Anticholinergics
- Diuretics
- B-Blockers
Anticholinergics
