Drugs Acting on the Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Part of the heart that receive deoxygenated blood from the circulation
Right atrium
Part of the heart that pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery for gas exchange
Right ventricle
Part of the heart that receives oxygenated blood
Left atrium
Part of the heart that pumps blood into the aorta for systemic circulation
Left ventricle
What are the 3 Layers of the Heart Wall
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
- Epicardium
The layer of the heart wall that lines the inner chambers of the heart, valves, chordate tendinae and papillary muscles.
Endocardium
The layer of the heart wall that is a muscular layer, middle layer, responsible for the major pumping action of the ventricles.
Myocardium
The layer of the heart wall that has a thin covering (mesothelium), covers the outer surface of the heart.
Epicardium
It is a fibrous covering that protects the heart from injury and infection
Pericardium
2 parts of the Pericardium
Visceral – attached to the exterior of the myocardium
Parietal – attached to the great vessels and diaphragm
It arises from the endocardial and myocardial surfaces of the ventricles and attach to the chordae tendinae
Papillary muscle
It attaches to the tricuspid and mitral valves and prevent eversion during systole; “heartstrings
Chordae tendineae
- permit blood flow in only one direction
- Open and close in response to the movement of blood and pressure changes within the chambers
Heart Valves
Name at least 3 Heart Valves
- Tricuspid
- Pulmonic
- Mitral/Bicuspid
- Aortic
Found on the Right Coronary Artery
- supplies the SA node
SA nodal branch
Found on the Right Coronary Artery
- supplies the right border of the heart
Right marginal branch
Found on the Right Coronary Artery
- supplies the AV node
AV nodal branch
Found on the Left Coronary Artery
- supplies SA node in 40% of people
Circumflex branch
Found on the Left Coronary Artery
- supplies the left ventricle
Left marginal branch
Found on the Left Coronary Artery
- supplies both ventricles and interventricular septum
Anterior interventricular branch aka left anterior descending (LAD)
Found on the Left Coronary Artery
- terminates in a surface of the heart
Lateral branch
What are the 3 Coronary Veins
- Coronary Sinus
- Great cardiac vein
- Oblique vein
main vein of the heart
Coronary Sinus
main tributary of the coronary sinus
Great cardiac vein
remnant of SVC, small and insignificant
Oblique vein
amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat
Stroke volume
amount of blood pumped by the ventricles per minute
Cardiac Output
degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole
Preload
ability of the cardiac muscle to shorten in response to an electric impulse
Contractility
the resistance to ejection of blood from the ventricle
Afterload
the percent of end-diastolic volume with each heartbeat
Ejection Fraction
Total blood collected in the ventricles at the end of diastole; determined by the length of diastole and venous pressure
End diastolic volume (EDV)
Blood left over in the ventricle at the end of contraction (not pumped out); determined by the force of ventricle contraction and arterial blood pressure
End systolic volume (ESV)
Average blood EDV
120 ml
Average blood ESV
50 ml
What law states that A greater EDV increases the contractile strength of the ventricles and will increase SV
Increased EDV = Increased Preload = More stretched sarcomeres = Increased sensitivity to Ca2+ channels = More contraction force = Increased SV
Frank-Starling Law of the Heart
increases heart rate (maintains stroke volume which leads to increased Cardiac Output)
Sympathetic – NOREPINEPHRINE (NE
decreases heart rate
Parasympathetic
parasympathetic inhibition of inherent rate of SA node, allowing normal HR
Vagal Tone
monitor changes in blood pressure and allow reflex activity with the autonomic nervous system
Baroreceptors, pressoreceptors
hormone released by adrenal medulla during stress; increases heart rate
Epinephrine
hormone released by thyroid; increases heart rate in large quantities; amplifies effect of epinephrine
Thyroxine
increased K+ level; KCI used to stop heart on lethal injection
Hyperkalemia
lower K+ levels; leads to abnormal heart rate rhythms
Hypokalemia
depresses heart function
Hypocalcemia
increases contraction phase
Hypercalcemia
HIGH Na+ concentration; can block Na+ transport and muscle contraction
Hypernatremia
Factors Affecting Heart Rate
Exercise – lowers resting heart rate (40-60)
Heat – increases heart rate significantly
Cold – decreases heart rate significantly
Tachycardia – higher than normal resting heart rate (over 100); may lead to fibrillation
Bradycardia – lower than normal resting heart rate (below 60); parasympathetic drug side effects; physical conditioning; sign of pathology in non-healthy patient
Heart pumps deoxygenated blood from the R ventricle through the pulmonary artery to the lungs
Pulmonary Circulation
aka Peripheral Circulation
Heart pumps blood from the left ventricle to the aorta and into the general circulation
Systemic Circulation
- Naturally-occurring cardiac glycoside
- Obtained from the purple and white foxglove plant.
- Used since 1200 AD
In 1978 – used by William Withering of England to alleviate “dropsy” (now known as edema) caused by kidney and cardiac insufficiency - Later known to be effective in treating heart failure
Digitalis
pathologic increase in stretching and thickening of ventricular walls allowing greater filling pressure associated with a weakened heart
Increased preload
additional pressure or force in the ventricular wall caused by excess resistance in the aorta
Increased afterload
Left-Sided Heart Failure Risk Factors
Mitral Valve Stenosis (RHD) – 90%
Aging
Myocardial Infarction
Ischemic Heart Disease
Hypertension
Aortic Valve Stenosis
Right-Sided Heart Failure Risk Factors
Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
COPD
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonic Stenosis
Left sided heart failure
Identify What NYHA Class
-No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary activities do not cause undue fatigue, palpitations, or dyspnea.
Class I
Identify What NYHA Class
- Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but ordinary activities cause fatigue, palpitations, or dyspnea.
Class II
Identify What NYHA Class
- Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest; less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitations, or dyspnea.
Class III
Identify What NYHA Class
- Symptoms occur at rest; any physical activity increases discomfort.
Class IV
They Inhibit Na-K pump
which increase in intracellular sodium
which results in the influx of calcium
resulting to efficient contraction of heart muscle
CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES
3 effect of Digitalis on heart muscles
- Positive inotropic action - ↑ myocardial contraction SV
- Negative chronotropic action - ↓ heart rate
- Negative dromotropic action - ↓ conduction of heart cells
Nonpharmacologic Measures to Treat Heart Failure
Limit salt intake to 2g/day (1tsp)
Avoid or decrease alcohol intake to 1 drink/day
Restrict fluid intake
Avoid smoking
Mild exercises such as walking or bicycling
Secondary drug for heart failure (First-line drugs are dopamine, dobutamine, and milrinone)
Used to correct atrial fibrillation (rapid uncoordinated contraction of atrial myocardium) and atrial flutter (rapid contractions of 200-300bpm)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
This drug’s pharmacokinetics is …..
Absorption
- Oral – 70%
- Liquid and capsule 90%
Protein binding – 30%
Half-life – 30-40hours; Risk for toxicity
Metabolized in the liver; 50-70%, Excreted in the urine
Dose should be decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
This drug’s Pharmacodynamics is…
In heart failure – increases myocardial contraction which will have increased cardiac output and improved circulation and tissue perfusion
Decreased heart rate
Therapeutic serum level – 0.8-2ng/mL
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
What is the Therapeutic Serum level range of Digoxin (Lanoxin)
0.8-2ng/mL
Its s/sx is Anorexia, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, bradycardia, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), cardiac dysrhythmias, headaches, malaise. Blurred vision, visual illusions (white, green, yellow halos around objects), confusion, and delirium
Digitalis (Digoxin) Toxicity
It is the antidote for Digitalis (Digoxin) Toxicity binds with digoxin to form complex molecules that can be excreted in the urine
Digoxin immune Fab (ovine, Digibind)
Which drug has an interaction with Digoxine that matches the description below
Diuretics = loss of potassium = hypokalemia = increased effect of digoxin at the myocardial cells = digitalis toxicity
Furosemide (Lasix), Hydroclorthiazide (Esidrix, Microzide)
Which drug has an interaction with Digoxine that matches the description below
- Promote sodium retention and potassium excretion
- Advise patient to eat K-rich food or take K+ supplements
Cortisone
Which drug has an interaction with Digoxine that matches the description below
- Can decrease digitalis absorption if taken together
- Doses should be staggered
Antacids
Prevents degradation of cAMP and cGMP, thus causing a positive inotropic effect and vasodilation resulting to increased stroke volume and cardiac output
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
What is the AE of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
severe cardiac dysrhythmia
enzyme that degrades cAMP and cGMP promoting smooth muscle and vessel contraction
Phosphodiesterase
It decreases venous blood return to the heart which causes decreased cardiac filling, ventricular stretching, and oxygen demand on the heart
Vasodilators
What are the 3 ways vasodilators act?
- Reduce cardiac afterload which causes increased cardiac output
- Dilate the arterioles of the kidneys which causes improved renal perfusion and increased fluid loss
- Improve circulation to the skeletal muscles
They
- Dilate venules and arterioles causing improved renal blood flow and decreased blood volume
- Moderately decrease the release of aldosterone causing reduced Na and fluid retention
- Can increase K+ levels; serum K+ levels must be monitored
Angiotensin Converting Ezyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Enumerate at least 3 ACE inhibitors
Captopril
Enalapril
Lisinopril
Perindopril
Given to patients who cannot tolerate ACEi
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Enumerate at least 3 ARBs
Valsartan, Candesartan, Losartan
They are
- Potassium-sparing diuretic
- Used to treat moderate to severe HF
- Blocks the production of aldosterone causing decreased excretion of potassium and magnesium causing improved heart rate variability and decreased myocardial fibrosis
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
What is the recommended dose of Spironolactone (Aldactone)
12.5-25mg/day
They are
- Previously contraindicated for patients with HF due to reduction in cardiac contractility
- Now shown to improve cardiac performance.
- Dose should be initially low and gradually increased
Beta Blockers
Enumerate at least 3 Beta Blockers
Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Bisprolol
- An Atrial natriuretic peptide that inhibits ADH by increasing urine sodium loss
- Promotes vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis
- Useful in acute decompensated HF with dyspnea
Neseritide (Natrecor)
- A Combination of hydralazine (for blood pressure) and isosorbide dinitrate (dilator to relieve heart pain)
- FDA approved for treating HF especially in African Americans
BiDil
- Used to treat angina pectoris
- Increase blood flow by 1.) increasing O2 supply or 2.) decreasing O2 demand by the myocardium
ANTIANGINAL DRUGS
acute cardiac pain caused by inadequate blood flow to the myocardium due to plaque occlusions within or spasms of the coronary arteries
angina pectoris
tightness, pressure in the center of the chest, and pain radiating down the left arm; referred pain in the neck and left arm
Anginal pain
Name 3 types of Angina Pectoris
Classic (stable)
Unstable (Preinfarction)
Variant (Prinzmetal, vasospastic)
What type of Angina Pectoris
- occurs with predictable stress or exertion
Classic (stable)
What type of Angina Pectoris
- Occurs frequently with progressive severity unrelated to activity; unpredictable regarding stress/exertion and intensity
- Often indicates and impending MI
Unstable (Preinfraction)
What type of Angina Pectoris occurs during rest
Variant (Prinzmetal, vasospastic)
Nonpharmacologic Measures to Control Angina : Enumerate at least 3
Avoid heavy meals, smoking, extreme weather changes, strenuous exercise, and emotional upset
Proper nutrition, moderate exercise (only after consulting with physician), adequate rest, and relaxation techniques
- Developed in 1840s
- Cause generalized vascular and coronary vasodilation causing increased blood flow through the coronary arteries
- Reduces myocardial ischemia but can cause hypotension
Nitrates/Nitroglycerin
2 Examples of Nitrates/Nitroglycerin
Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur)
- Given sublingually, 0.4mg following cardiac pain; effect lasts 10mins
- Decompose when exposed to heat
- Dispensed in screw-cap tops that are not childproof for easy opening during an anginal attack
- Also available in topical, translingual, oral ER capsule and tablet, aerosol spray and IV
Nitrates/Nitroglycerin
Pharmacokinetics
SL – absorbed rapidly in the IJV and the right atrium
40-50% absorbed through the GI tract
Nitrates/Nitroglycerin
Pharmacodynamics
Act on the smooth muscles of BVs causing relaxation and dilation
Decreases preload and afterload, and reduces myocardial O2 demand
Onset of action
*SL and IV – 1-3 minutes
*Transdermal – 30-60 minutes
*Transdermal patch – 24h; must be removed nightly to allow 8-12hr nitrate-free interval
*Ointment – 6-8 hours
Nitrates/Nitroglycerin
What drug has an SE and AE as stated below
- Headaches – most common SE (Give paracetamol)
- Hypotension, dizziness, weakness, faitness
- Doses must be tapered over several weeks to prevent rebound effect of severe pain caused by myocardial ischemia
- Reflex tachycardia – if given too rapidly; due to overcompensation of the CV system
Nitrates
most common SE of Nitrates
Headaches
Enumerate 3 examples of Beta Blockers
Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol (“olols”)
This type of beta blocker - Decreases heart rate and cause bronchoconstriction
- Pharmacodynamics
*Onset: 30 mins
*Peak: 1-1.5hrs
*Duration: 4-12hrs
Nonselective beta blockers (block b1 and b2)
These Beta Blockers
- Act more strongly on b1 receptors
- Decreases heart rate but avoids bronchoconstriction
- Choice for controlling angina pectoris
- Pharmacodynamics
*Onset: 15 - 60 mins
*Peak: 2-4hrs
*Duration: 6- 24hrs
Selective (cardioselective) beta blockers ( block b1 only)
Identify
Pharmacodynamics
- Decrease the force of myocardial contractions causing decreased O2 demand by the myocardium
Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers: Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Bradycardia, Hypotension
Nonselective b-blockers – bronchospasm, behavioral or psychotic response, and impotence
Dose should be tapered for 1-2 weeks
- Block β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors
- Blocks the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine causing decreased heart rate, myocardial contractility, and blood pressure causing reduced O2 demand causing reduced anginal pain
- Most useful for classic (stable) angina
- Should be tapered to avoid reflex tachycardia
Beta Blockers
They
- Block Ca2+ influx in the cell causing decreased cardiac contractility, thus decreasing cardiac O2 demand
- Used in variant and classic angina
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacokinetics
- 80-90% absorbed through the GI
- Highly protein bound
- Half-life: 2-9hrs
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacodynamics
*Verapamil – bradycardia
*Nifedipine – most potent; vasodilation hypotension
*Onset: verapamil – 10mins; nifedipine and diltiazem – 30min
*Duration: verapamil – 3-7hrs; nifedipine and diltiazem – 6-8hrs
Calcium Channel Blockers
Identify what SE and AE is caused below
- Headache, hypotension, dizziness, flushing of the skin
- Peripheral edema – nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil
- Liver and kidney function changes; check serum liver enzymes periodically
- Nifedipine (immediate-release form) – sudden cardiac death in high doses
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
Nursing Interventions: Antianginals
- Do not use fingers when applying ointment; use tongue blade/gloves
- Do not touch medication portion of nitro patch
- Do not apply ointment or patch in any area near the vicinity of defibrillator-cardioverter paddle placement.
- Explosion and skin burns may result
- Administer SL nitroglycerin tablet if chest pain occurs. If pain has not subsided or has worsened in 5mins, seek immediate medical attention
- Advise pt not to ingest alcohol while taking nitroglycerin
- Notify HCP if chest pain is not completely alleviated
- Inform pt not to d/c b-blockers and CCBs without consulting with HCP
Deviation from the normal rate or pattern of the heartbeat
Causes: MI, hypoxia, hypercapnia, thyroid dse., CAD, cardiac surgery, excess catecholamines, electrolyte imbalance
Cardiac Dysrhythmias
Prevent proper filling of the ventricles and decrease CO by 33%
Atrial Dysrhythmia
- It is Life-threatening
- Causes Ineffective filling and pumping of the ventricles decreased or absent CO
Ventricular Dysrhythmia
- Primary pacemaker of the heart
- At the junction of the SVC and the right atrium
- Firing rate: 60 to 100 impulses/min
Sinoatrial Node