Drugs and The Heart Flashcards
What drug is used to treat Angina pectoris?
Glycerl Trinitrate (GTN) spray
What technique might be used to diagnose a cardiac dysrhythmia?
An ECG
What are the 4 targets for anti-dysrhythmic drugs?
The sympathetic nervous system
Sodium channels
Potassium channels
Calcium channels
What are the 4 classes of anti hypertensive drugs?
ACE inhibitors
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
Give an example of an ACE inhibitor
Captopril
Enalapril
Ramipril
How do ACE inhibitors work?
By blocking ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) so that angiotensin 1 is not converted into angiotensin 2.
Angiotensin 2 causes vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, so by preventing its formation the peripheral resistance is reduced
Give an example of an angiotensin receptor antagonist
Losartan
Candesartan
Valsartan
Give an example of a beta blocker
Atenolol
Propranolol
Bisoprolol
How do beta blockers work?
By blocking the beta 1 receptors in the heart, which reduces the heart rate and force
They also increase the blood flow to the kidneys which reduces renin secretion
What are some of the side effects associated with beta blockers?
Lethargy Impaired concentration Aching limbs during exercise Erectile dysfunction Exacerbation of Reynaud's disease
Name an alpha blocker
Prazosin
Doxazosin
Terazosin
How do alpha blockers treat hypertension?
By blocking the action of noradrenaline and adrenaline on the blood vessels, which causes vasodilation
Name a calcium channel blocker
Nifedipine
Amlodipine
Nicardipine
How do calcium channel blockers work?
By decreasing AV node conduction (and therefore heart rate)
By decreasing myocardial contractility
By decreasing arterial tone (dilating blood vessels)
Name a diuretic drug
Inapamide
Chlortalidone
How do diuretics reduce blood pressure?
By increasing the urine output, which decreases the blood volume
Name a potassium-sparing diuretic
Amiloride
Spironactone
Name a loop diuretic
Furosemide
Which class of anti-dysrhythmic drugs target the sodium channels?
Name a drug in this category
Class 1
Lidocaine
Flecainide
Diisopyramide
Which class of anti-dysrhythmic drugs target the Beta 1 adrenoreceptors?
Name a drug in this category
Class 2
Atenolol
Metoprolol
Propranolol
Which class of anti-dysrhythmic drugs target the potassium channels?
Name a drug in this category
Class 3
Amiodarone
Sotaolol
Which class of anti-dysrhythmic drugs target the calcium channels?
Name a drug in this category
Class 4
Verapamil
Diltiazem
What drug is used to increase cardiac output in patients with heart failure or atrial fibrillation?
Digoxin
How does digoxin work?
By inhibiting the sodium/potassium pump
By inhibiting ATPase
This increases the force of contraction without increasing oxygen consumption
