Drugs Affecting Blood pressure Flashcards
what are some non-specific symptoms of hypertension?
dizziness
headache
what is hypertension?
isolated systolic blood pressure may be due to stiffness ion arteries as you age, unable to accomodate for the sudden increase in BP at systole
what are some of the main causes of hypertension?
primary hypertension
-smoking
-obbesity
-diet
-exercise
-genetic
secondary hypertension
-renal hypertension ro pheochromocytoma
what are the effects of chronic hypertension?
further cardiovascular disease
-atherosclerosis
-stroke
-myocardial infarction
-heartfailure
-renal failure
-retinopathy
what are the clinical benefits of reducing BP?
40% reduction of stroke
25% red in myocardial infarction
>50% red in heart failure
how do we calculate BP?
total peripheral resistance x cardiac output
What are the different pathways that can be affected to reduce blood pressure and the drug classes associated?
-block of sympathetic NS
-kidneys (reduce blood volume)
-hormones
-vasodilation of peripheral resistance arterioles (Ca2 channel blockers)
how can we block the sympathetic NS to reduce BP?
- reduce effects on heart (b1-blockers)
- reduce effects on blood vessels (a1-blockers)
- reduce renin release from kidney (b1-blockers)
how can we use hormones to reduce the BP?
inhibit renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers)
what is the mechanism of action of B-adrenoceptor blockers?
comeptitive reversible antagonists
-reduction in blood pressure via blockade of b1 sympathetic tone on heart and reduction in renin release from kidney
-reduction in heart rate and stroke volume (speeds up relaxation, changes in conduction velocity and reduction in ionotropy)
-reduction in cardiac output
what are some B-adrenoceptor blockers?
propranolol (b1 and b2)
atenolol (b1 selective)
what are some of the adverse effects of B-adrenoceptor blockers?
-exacerbate asthma (block of b2 absolute contraindication)
-even with b-1 selective drugs you wouldn’t prescribe because there is always a bit of a crossover
-intolerant to exercise
-hypoglycaemia
-vivid dreams
what are some examples of A-adrenoceptor blockers?
-phentolamine (a1 and a2)
-doxazosin, prazosin (a1 selective)
what are the mechanism of action of A-adrenoceptor blockers?
-competitve reversible antagonists
-reduction in blood pressure via reduction in sympathetic tone in arterioles (a1)
-reduction in peripheral resistance
what are some adverse effects of A-adrenoceptor blockers?
-postural hypertension (loss of sympathetic venoconstriction)
-reflex tachycardia (via baroreceptors)
-impotence
what are some other uses of alpha 1 receptors?
-increased closure of internal sphincter of the bladder
-mydriasis
-vasoconstriction
-increased peripheral resistance
-increased blood pressure
what are examples of ACE inhibitors?
captopril and enalapril
what is the mechanism of action of ace inhibitors?
-angiotensin converting enzyme on vascular endothelial surface converts angiotensin I to the active angiotensin II (very small peptide)
how do ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure?
- Reduced formation of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (reduction in peripheral resistance)
- Reduced blood volume (loss of angiotensin II-stimulated release of aldosterone, thus reduction of renal reabsorption of Na+ and water)
what are some adverse effects of ACE inhibitors?
Generally very well tolerated but:
- Sudden fall in BP on 1st dose - given with supervision
- Persistent irritant cough – due to reduced breakdown of bradykinin, a peptide that activates sensory nerves in lung tissue
what are angiotensin II receptor blockers?
-two receptor subtypes: AT1 and AT2
useful antihypertensive agents
-side effect profile appears good - no irritant cough as seen with ACE inhibitors
what do AT1 receptors mediate?
vasoconstriction anf aldosterone releasing actions of angiotensin II
what kind of drugs are losartan and candesartan?
AT1 blockers
what is the mechanism of action of diuretics?
- Lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume
- Mechanism is through reduced renal reabsorption of Na+ and water
- (additional vasodilator action may also contribute: reduced peripheral resistance)