Cardiovascular System Pharmacology

Question 0

antiarrhythmics

Answer 0

Action: Prevent, alleviate, or correct cardiac arrhythmias (dysrhythmias) by stabilizing the electrical conduction of the heart.
flecainide (Tambocor)

Question 1

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

Answer 1

Action: Lower blood pressure by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I (an inactive enzyme) to angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat hypertension alone or with other agents and aid in the management of heart failure.
benazepril (Lotensin)
captopril (Capoten)

Question 2

beta-blockers

Answer 2

Action: Block the effect of adrenaline on the beta receptors, which slow nerve pulses that pass through the heart, thereby causing a decrease heart rate and contractility.
Beta-blockers are prescribed for hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias (dysrhythmias)
atenolol (Tenormin)
metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)

Question 3

calcium channel blockers

Answer 3

Action: Block movement of calcium (required for blood vessel contraction) into myocardial cells and arterial walls, causing heart rate and blood pressure to decrease.
Calcium channel blockers are used to treat angina pectoris, hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
amlodipine (Norvasc)
diltiazem (Cardizem CD)
nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia)

Question 4

diuretics

Answer 4

Action: Act on kidneys to increase excretion of water and sodium.
Diuretics reduce fluid build-up in the body, including fluid in the lungs, a common symptom of heart failure, Diuretics are also used to treat hypertension.
furosemide (Lasix)

Question 5

nitrates

Answer 5

Action: Dilate blood vessels of the heart, causing an increase in the amount of oxygen delivered to the myocardium, and decrease venous return and arterial resistance, which decreases myocardial oxygen demand and relieves angina.
Nitrates can be administered in several ways: sublingually as a spray or tablet, orally as a tablet, transdermally as a patch, topically as an ointment, or intravenously in an emergency setting.
nitroglycerin (Nitrolingual, Nitrogard, Nitrostat)

Question 6

peripheral vasodilators

Answer 6

Action: Peripheral vasodilators treat peripheral vascular diseases, diabetic peripheral vascular insufficiency, and Raynaud disease.

cyclandelate: Cyclan
isoxsuprine: Vasodilan

Question 7

Statins

Answer 7

Action: Lower cholesterol in the blood and reduce its production in the liver by blocking the enzyme that produces it.
Vitorin, a statin drug, combined with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor not only lowers cholesterol in the blood and reduces its production in the liver, but also decreases absorption of dietary cholesterol from the intestine. Hypercholesterolemia is a major factor in development of heart disease.
Dilate arteries in skeletal muscles, thus improving blood flow.
simvastatin (Zocor)
simvastatin and ezetimibe (Vytorin)