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.