Drugs For The CVS

Question 1

Name some types of arrhythmias

Answer 1

Bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation.

Question 2

Why is VF (ventricular fibrillation) so dangerous?

Answer 2

Causes cardiac output to drop drastically

Question 3

What could cause an arrhythmia?

Answer 3

Ectopic pacemaker activity, re-entry loops, after-depolarisations

Question 4

What are the main/general actions of drugs when targeting the heart

Answer 4

To deal with rate, rhythm of heart, force of myocardial contraction, peripheral resistance/blood flow, blood volume

Question 5

Drugs that aim to correct arrhythmias, what are their main targets?

Answer 5

Block Na+ channels, block K+ channels, block Ca2+ channels, B-adrenoceptor antagonists

Question 6

Give an example of a Na+ channel blocker used

Answer 6

Lidocaine (given IV)

Question 7

Give an example of a B blocker?

Answer 7

Propranolol, Atenolol, Esmolol

Question 8

Give an example of a K+ channel blocker that is used

Answer 8

Amiodarone

Question 9

Give an example of a Ca2+ channel blocker thats used

Answer 9

Verapamil

Question 10

What are the steps in the Renin Angiotensin System?

Answer 10

Pre-enzyme Angiotensinogen converted to Angiotensin I by Renin. ANG I converted to ANG II by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)

Question 11

Where is renin produced and why?

Answer 11

The kidneys, in response to low fluid volume in nephrons

Question 12

Where is ACE present?

Answer 12

In the lungs

Question 13

What is the mechanism of action of ANG II?

Answer 13

Acts on adrenal glands to produce aldosterone (from zona glomerulosa). Aldosterone then acts on collecting ducts of kidney tubules to bring water into cell following movement of Na+, meaning BP increases due to more water