Dysrythmia and HTN Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

Dromotropism definition

A

Ability to alter the rate of electrical conduction

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2
Q

Refractoriness

A

Inability of a cell to receive and transmit an action potential

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3
Q

Action potential duration

A

The time between phase 0 of one action potential to the next.

Increased length = decreased heart rate

Decreased length = increased heart rate

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4
Q

Effective refractory period

A

Time between phase 0- phase 3 in which the cells cannot initiate another action potential.

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5
Q

Relative refractory period

A

Time between phase 2-3 in which the cells cannot initiate another action potential except within the presence of an extreme stimulus

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6
Q

What is the normal threshold potential of an AV node action potential?

A

Approximately -65 mv

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7
Q

Sympathetics influence what cardio tissues?

A

All of them

  • SA/AV nodes: epinephrine binds to B1 receptors, increasing the Ca2+ inward current causing an increasing rate of repolarization in phase 4 (funny current)
  • causes tachycardia*

Atrial tissue: epinephrine binds to B1 receptors causing an increasing Ca2+ inward current which results in an increased conduction velocity and contractile
(Positive dromotropic and inotropic effects)

His/purkinje tissues: similar to atrial tissues

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8
Q

Delayed After Depolarizations (DADs)

A

Appear due to an abnormally elevated intracellular concentration of Ca2+.

At low rates of stimuli (brachycardia), the DADs skip ventricle depolarization since the threshold potential cannot be reached

At high rates of stimuli (tachycardia), the DADs produce spontaneous ventricle depolarizations causing v tachycardia.

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9
Q

Parasympathetics influence which cardiac tissues?

A

SA/AV node and atrial tissues

  • SA/AV: acetylcholine produces a bradycardia effect by increasing phase 3 potassium out of the cell.
  • decreases rate of repolarization during phase4*

Atrial tissues: acetylcholine increases the rate of conduction through the atrial muscle (positive dromotropic effect).

NOT ventricular tissues

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10
Q

What is the most common etiology of dysrhythmia?

A

Acute MI

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11
Q

Ventricular recently

A

A phenomenon that occurs when ischemic or scar tissue forms, or a boundless of Kent, along the normal conduction pathway.

Action potentials that are post-ERP cant go the normal pathway will ;try to redirect the pathway.

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12
Q

Class 1 dysrhythmic agents

A

Are all Na+ channel antagonists (blockers)
- blocks the non-nodal (ventricular) conductive tissue in phase 0

Effects:

  • slows depolarization (lowers Vmax of phase 0)
  • negative dromotropy
  • lengthens QRS and QT intervals (1a especially increases QT)
  • increases ERP/APD ratio (except lb)
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13
Q

Class 2 dysrhythmic agents

A

Are all B-blockers (B-adrenergic antagonists)

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14
Q

Class 3 dysrhythmic agents

A

Are K+ channel antagonists (blockers)

- block all types of cardiac tissue in phase 3

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15
Q

Class 4 dysrhythmic agents

A

Similar to class 2 except block calcium channels instead of B1 or B2 receptors

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16
Q

class 1a dysrhythmic agent effects (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, hydralazine)

A

moderate binding to the Na+ channels

  • also block the potassium channels , delaying repolarization.
  • can induce calcium blocking but only at very high doses

Effects:

  • prolongs QRS complex
  • prolongs QT intervals and valgus nerve effects
  • slows phase 0
  • increases ERP/APD ratio

Used to treat PVCs, V tach, atrial fibrilation (w/out WPW)

ADRs:

  • can induce torsades
  • cinchonism (tinnitis, hearing loss, blurred vision)
  • hypotension
  • SLE in slow acetylators of 1a drugs

Special populations to pay attention to:

  • patients who are slow acetylators of 1a drugs
  • renally impaired (must lower dosage)
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17
Q

Class 1b dysrhythmic agent effects

Lidocaine, tocainide

A

Weakest binding to the sodium channels. Actually accelerate the repolarization of conductive tissue (rapid “on-off” kinetics)

Effects:

  • shortens the ERP/ADP ratio
  • QT interval is shoterned
  • no change in QRS
  • positive inotropic and dromotropic effects
  • MOST EFFECTIVE FOR DIGITALIS and MI INDUCED DYSRHYTHMIA
  • also treat V tachycardia, premature ventricular beats and preventing V. Fibrillation

ADRs:
- hypersensitivity

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18
Q

Class 1c dysrhythmic agent effects

Encainide, flecainide, moricizine, propafenone

A

Strongest blockers of NA+ channels (“slow on-off” kinetics)

Effects:

  • strong effects on phase 0 of the action potential of conducting tissues
  • lengthen QRS and APD
  • no change QT
  • CAN STOP HEART THEREFORE ONLY LAST RESORT

MOST USEFUL FOR NON-MI INDUCED VENTRICULAR DYSRYTHMIAS

ADRs:

  • prodysrthmic
  • hypersensitivity
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19
Q

Class 2 agent effects

Propranolol, acebutalol, esmolol, metoprolol

A

Bind to B receptors and act as antagonists (also block calcium to a small degree since B-receptors are bound to calcium channels)

Effects:

  • inhibit sympathetic activation (NE release)
  • decrease Heart rate and cardiac output (negative chronotropic and inotropic)
  • slight decrease on stroke volume
  • AV nodal conduction is decreased (prolongs PR interval)
  • AV nodal refractory is increased (prolongs PP interval)

MOST EFFECTIVE ON SUPRAVENTRICULAR AND DIGITALIS INDUCED DYSRHYTHMIAS AND HTN*

ADRs:

  • hypotension
  • asystole (@ high doses)
  • bronchospasm
  • rebound withdrawal (if not removed slowly will cause hypertensive crisis)

Specific patient populations to note:

  • contraindicated in pregnant patients
  • contraindicated in diabetics
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20
Q

Class 3 agent effects

Amiodarone, ibutilide, sortalol, dofetilide

A

Prolong repolarization by altering phase 3 of conducting cells and blocking potassium channels.

  • amiodarone also can block sodium,calcium and B-receptors*

Effects:

  • decrease effluent of K+ (prolonged ERP in all cardiac tissue)
  • prolonged QT interval
  • no effect on QRS complex

MOST USED FOR A/V FIB AND A FLUTTER.

ADRs:

  • pulmonary toxicity
  • elevated liver enzymes
  • induces thyroid tumors/hypothyroidism
  • photosensitivity
  • can induce torsades

Certain populations to take note:

  • contraindicated in liver impaired patients
  • COPD patients (can still use just monitor)
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21
Q

Quinidine specifics

A

Class 1a drug
- used for atrial flutter/fibrillation, supraventriclar tachycardia, paroxysmal atrioventricular junctional rhythm, atrial/ventricle tachycardia

Effects:

  • inhibit Na+ channels moderately (fastchannels only)
  • increases ERP
  • increases action potential duration
  • prolongs QRS and QT intervals
  • decreases membrane excitability and automaticity

Pharmacokinetics
- P.O 200-400mg every 4-6 hrs

Adverse effects: (33% of people will discontinue use)

  • can causes cinchonism (tinnitis, hearing loss, blurred vision)
  • excessive doses cause AV blocks, tachy dysrhythmia
  • torsades de pointes via QT prolongation
  • hypotension (blocks a1 receptors)
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22
Q

Procainamide specifics

A

Class 1a used primarily for PATs, A fib/ A flutter (especially prophylacticly)

  • 2nd line behind Quinidine.
  • can also be used for ventricular tachycardias however not the best

Effects:

  • inhibits sodium channels moderately
  • does not enter the CNS

PK: metabolized through hepatic N-acetyltransferase activity
- low acetylator activity patients will take longer to metabolize drug and can induce SLE

ADEs:

  • arthralgia, fever, pericarditis, skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, anemia, hepatomegaly
  • SLE like syndrome if slow acetylator
  • torsades (prolongs QT) (less likely to happen compared to quinine)
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23
Q

Lidocaine specifics

A

Class 1b agent

MOA:

  • inhibits sodium channels and inhibits reentry mechanisms (inhibits spontaneous depolarizations in ventricles) through fast sodium channels
  • acts preferably on ischemic tissue and shortens the ERP (allowing the normal conduction pathways to work again)
  • decreases excitability in ischemic tissue and increases excitability in healthy tissue

*Excellent use in post-MI or digoxin-induced tachycardia (especially if PVCs are present)

Pharmacokinetics
- IV dosage only and metabolized through liver. (be careful in patients with cirrhosis of liver since its half live is more than doubled)

Adverse side effects:
- mild CNS effects and hypersensitivity reactions only

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24
Q

Flecainide specifics

A

Class 1c drug

Effects:

  • really blocks sodium channels and then His-Purkinje system strongly.
  • widens PR, OT and QRS interval
  • shortens the action potential of purkinje fibers
  • marked ventricular depression

usually only used for refractory life-threatening ectopic ventricular tachycardia and sometimes paroxysmal reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (since it markedly depresses the cardiac conduction to a dangerous level)

Pharmacokinetics: P.O only

ADRs:

  • pro-dysrhythmic (this is why it is a last resort)
  • hypersensitivity
  • GI and CNS side effects
25
Q

Propranolol specifics

A

Class 2 agent

Effects:

  • blocks B1 adrenergic receptors, stopping sympathetic innervation (prevents NE binding)
  • induces a1 receptor blockade also
  • decrease resting heart rate and CO
  • increase sinus cycle length, effective refractory period and sinus node recovery time

used primarily for atrial fibrillation/flutter

Pharmacokinetics:
PO for sustained
IV for acute

ADRs:

  • hypotension
  • a-systole (causes AV nodal blocking and can occur in IV doses only so be careful)
  • Bronchospasm
  • rebound withdrawal (must slowly take off, if not produces dysrhythmia and HTN crisis)
26
Q

Amiodarone and sotalol specifics

A

Class 3 agent

MOA:

  • blocks K+ channels and therefore disrupts all cardiac phase 3 (Broad spectrum)
  • increases ERP and APD
  • decreases automaticity of SA/AV nodes
  • slows conduction within His-Purkinje system

Used for refractory life threatening ventricular dysrhythmia especially in WPW patients (not a 1st line agent)

Pharmacokinetics:
- PO and IV (IV I only immediate, not long term)

ADRs:

  • Pulmonary toxicity
  • liver enzymes elevated
  • photosensativity
  • increases incidence of thyroid tumors and hypothyroidism
  • SLE effects if slow acetylators
  • prolonged QT (sotalol only)
27
Q

Verapamil specifics

A

Class 4 agent

MOA:

  • blocks calcium channels and therefore effects phase 0 in AV/SA nodal tissues
  • decreases heart rate
  • prolongs PR intervals
  • decreases AV conduction
  • causes overall cardiac depression

used primarily for supraventricular dysrhythmia (tachycardia) and atrial fibrillation over digoxin

Pharmacokinetics:
IV immediately and PO if needed long term treatment for recurrent SVT
- highly lipophilic with hemodialysis being ineffective to clear the drug (High half life so be careful with dosing)

ADRs:

  • constipation (usually orally)
  • hypotension
  • exacerbates congestive heart failure
  • can exacerbate heart blocking if used with BBs
  • sexual dysfunction
28
Q

Adenosine effects

A

Class 5 agent

MOA:

  • endogenous purine nucleosides
  • binds to A1 in the AV nodes (not alpha 1) causing mass potassium release (elongates phase 3 (hyper polarizes)
  • produces asystole (complete AV nodal block momentarily)

used as first line in acute supraventricular tachycardia and other atrial dysrhythmias (atrial flutter, fibrillation or ectopic foci)

Pharmacokinetics:
IV use: however half life is stupid low (15 sec) so complete heart block for 15 sec isn’t completely life threatening
* will show a rapid bolus within the brachial vein*

ADRs: less toxic than verapamil

  • hypotension
  • flushing
  • complete heart block
  • dyspena
  • GI congestion
29
Q

Digoxin specifics

A

Cardiac glycoside that has 2 primarily MOAs

1) positive inotropic effect by inhibiting Na+/K+ ATPase membrane pumps. This leads to increase intracellular calcium since it cant get out as easily through Na+/Ca+ channels
- decreases conduction through the AV node, prolonging the ERP

2) Increases vagal stimulation which results in a negative dromotropic effect on the AV node resulting in prolonged refraction periods.

  • used in treatment for
  • MOA 1) is atrial flutter/ fibrilation
  • MOA 2) is in CHF
  • note digoxin is 1st line in CHF, but NOT in atrial flutter/fibrilation*

Pharmacokinetics:

  • PO or IV (usually PO)
  • lipid soluble
  • sympathetic stimulation overrides its effects

ADRs
- highly dysrhytmogenic due to causing hypokalemia (why its not a first line therapy and requires magnesium sulfide douses with it)

30
Q

Other possible Tx’s for Bradycardia and sinus tachycardia

A

Bradycardia:
-Atropine: produces vagal block which increases HR

  • Isoproterenol: B1- stimulation to increase HR
  • Pacemaker: morphologic AV nodal block

Tachycardia:
- vagal stimulation via carotid sinus massage or valsalva maneuver

31
Q

What are non drug manipulations to generate sinus tachycardia?

A

Carotid sinus massage

Valsalva maneuver

can only be used in acute non-life threatening cases

32
Q

Areas of the human body that regulate blood pressure through the barometric reflex

A

Carotid sinus

Glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves

Medulla and its centers

these centers all act to counter drugs that regulate BP

33
Q

Types of HTN

A

Non-essential/2nd: (10%)

  • caused directly by a medical condition/pathology such as tumors or renal/ heart disease
  • requires surgery

Essential/1st: (90%)

  • idiopathic and is genetic most of the time
  • no surgery
34
Q

Consequences of HTN

A

Accelerates atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, MI, CHF, strokes and renal disease chances

35
Q

Non-pharmological treatments of HTN (lifestyle choices)

A

Sodium restriction

Maintain healthy potassium, calcium and magnesium levels

Weight reduction

Aerobic Exercise (30-45 min a day)

Mediation/relaxation

OMM

Limit alcohol

Stop mocking

36
Q

Baroreceptors reflex review

A

Chronic HTN usually rests the baroreflex point to make the increased pressure be considered normal

  • examples of how the baroreflex combats HTN drugs are
    1) increasing fluid and sodium retention by the kidney (increasing preload and after load)
  • use diuretics

2) increasing sympathetic activation increases peripheral resistance and cardiac output
- use B-adrenergics

  • because the baroreflex has “reset” it reverse any treatment to try and lower HTN (since the reflex assumes the higher BP is normal)*
37
Q

Mean arterial pressure in HTN patients

A

MAP = CO x TPR

  • most HTN patients have a normal CO, but a higher TPR (total peripheral resistance)*
38
Q

Diuretics specifics

A

includes thiazides, chlorthalidone, metolazone, indapamide, furosemide, bumetanide, spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride

39
Q

Excitability, automaticity and conductivity definitions

A

Excitability: ability for a cell to respond to external electrical stimuli

Automaticity: ability of a cell or cells to initiate an action potential

Conductivity: ability of a cell or cells to receive and transmit the action potential

40
Q

What does an increase/decrease in both ERP and APD do?

A

Increase them causes a decrease in excitability

Decreasing them causes an increase in excitability

40
Q

Consequences of dysrhythmia (why treat it?)

A

Decreases efficiency by lowering Stroke volume and cardiac output

Converts bad issues of the heart into worse issues

Increases chances of thrombigenesis (especially atrial flutter/fibrillation)

41
Q

Differences between a 1st 2nd and 3rd degree heart block

A

1st degree: slow conduction through the AV node, but all impulses do reach the ventricles
- shows long PR interval (>200ms) but every P wave has a QRS complex

2nd degree: slower conduction through the AV node where most impulses do reach the ventricle, but some do not
- shows long PR interval (>200ms) but every p wave does not have a QRS complex

3rd degree: complete block of all impulses through the AV node
- Long PR interval (> 200ms) with most P waves not having an associated QRS complex

42
Q

How do you reverse torsades in patients taking class 1a agents?

A

Give magnesium sulfate

43
Q

How to diagnosis hypertension

A

Above 140/90 BP based on two or more readings at least 2 weeks apart from each other.

HTN does not have many clinical symptoms, but must be treated since it can be pathological and have dire consequences.

44
Q

What factors go into determining he treatment of HTN?

A

Age, ethnicity, body type, obesity, willingness to adhere to Tx

  • African Americans respond better to different Tx
  • obesity responds better to different Tx

Lifestyle (busy, sedentary, athletic)

Etiology of the HTN

Severity and time to onset of HTN

  • other risk factors for CV disease are present or not
45
Q

3 ways to lower Blood pressure

A

Lower heart rate

Lower blood volume (stroke volume)

Lowering vascular resistance

46
Q

Class 4 dysrhythmic drugs

verapamil, diltiazem, bepridil

A

Are all calcium channel blockers, targets nodal tissue and slows phase 0.

Effects:

  • ERP/APD ratio is increased (increases AV node refractory period)
  • prolongs PR
  • reduces HR
  • negative inotropic (decreases CO)

most used in A fibrilation and PSVTs (AVRNT and AVRTs)

ADRs:

  • causes overall cardiac depression
  • hypotension
  • GI constipation
  • exacerbates CHF and Heart blocks
  • will block heart if used with BB in coadminstration
  • overdosing a patient will induce ventricular tachycardia
47
Q

Diuretics

thiazides, spironolactone, indapamide

A

MOA: unknown but its effects are

  • reduces blood volume, CO and TPR
  • no effect on HR
  • increased renin
  • (indapamide also has direct vasodilation effects)

Efficacy in HTN treatment: (20/10) as
- taken PO w/ 2-4 weeks to notice effects

Indications:

  • edema
  • HTN (especially in renal failure patients)
  • heart failure complications
  • especially useful in blacks and old people.

ADRs:

  • hypokalemia and hyperuricemia
  • cant use in diabetics (increases glucose levels in blood to dangerous levels)
  • cant use in hyperlipidemia patients (elevate LDL to dangerous levels
48
Q

Clonidine

A

MOA: centrally acting sympatholytic that stimulates postsynaptic a2 receptors in baroreflex and presynaptic a2 in vascular smooth muscle.

  • inhibts sympathetic outflow and prevents baroreflex counter
  • vasodilation (lowers SVR and BP)
  • induces Bradycardia (lowers HR)
  • reduces renin (lowers Blood volume and sodium retention)

Efficacy in HTN: (35/20)
- taken PO and takes 2-4 hrs to notice

ADRs

  • severe rebound hypertension (if suddenly discontinued
  • AV block
49
Q

A-methyldopa

A

MOA: inhibits presynaptic a2 receptors

  • reduces SVR and Blood pressure
  • decreases release of NE
  • lowers renin levels

Efficacy for HTN: (20/10)
- VERY indicated in pregnant patients with HTN (even more so if they have preeclampsia)

ADRs:

  • erectile dysfunction
  • frank-hemolytic anemia (positive Coombs test indicates this, stop immediately if so)
50
Q

Azosins

A

MOA: selective antagonist at ONLY vascular smooth muscle a1 receptors

  • reduces SVR and BP (prevents vasoconstriction)
  • does not induce NE release (since it doesn’t touch a2 receptors) lowers chance of reflex tachycardia
  • also decreases total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides

Efficacy for HTN: (15/10) as monotherapy (25/15) w/ diuretic

ADRs

  • reflex tachycardia
  • erectile dysfunction
51
Q

Verapamil/diltiazem effects on HTN specifically

A

MOA: direct vasodilator by inhibiting both Calcium entry and release from SR

  • decreases TPR via vasodilation
  • decreases afterload and BP

Efficacy of the drugs for HTN:

  • verapamil (30/20)
  • diltiazem (20/15)

ADRs
- cardio depression (can be used to counter reflex tachycardia w/ other drugs)

52
Q

Nifedipine

A

MOA: special class 4 CBB which physically plugs the calcium channels on vascular smooth muscle.

  • induces vasodilation (decreases SVR)
  • also sequesters already present calcium
  • significantly less cardio depressant activity (since it targets vascular muscle over cardiac tissue)

Efficacy of HTN: (30/20)

ADRs:
- prominent reflex tachycardia

53
Q

Hydralazine

A

MOA: direct vasodilation of smooth muscle by stimulating cGMP production, which in turn, promotes calcium sequestration and blocks calcium release from SR
- lowers SVR (specifically arterioles, NOT veins)

  • note this drug is VERY susceptible to developing baroreflex tolerance (baroreflex ignores drug and further increases HTN)*
  • increases heart rate
  • increases cardiac output
  • increases renin (sodium and water retention)
  • Because of this, this MUST ALWAYS BE USED W/ BB AND/OR DIURETIC*

Efficacy in HTN: (25/25)

ADRs:

  • tolerance
  • tachycardia/palpation
  • SLE like for slow acetylators (contraindicated)
54
Q

Minoxidil

A

MOA: K+ agonist on vascular smooth muscle (inducing widespread repolarization and in turn vasodilation)
- decreases SVR and BP

  • note this drug is VERY susceptible to developing baroreflex tolerance (baroreflex ignores drug and further increases HTN)*
  • increases heart rate
  • increases cardiac output
  • increases renin (sodium and water retention)
  • Because of this, this MUST ALWAYS BE USED W/ BB AND/OR DIURETIC*

Efficacy in HTN (25/25)

ADRs:
- tolerance (tachyphylaxis)

55
Q

Loniten

A

Very potent minoxidil that is only used in severe refractory HTN

56
Q

Sodium nitroprusside

A

MOA: donates Nitric oxide groups to vascular smooth muscle to mass generate cGMP

  • decreases both arteriole and venous tone (vasodilation of all vessels)
  • decreases BP, SVR, CO, dramatically

ONLY used in emergency HTN or rapid management of CHF

ADRs: (only present if prolonged use)

  • methemoglobin
  • cyanide poisoning
  • hypoxia necrosis
57
Q

PRILs

A

MOA: directly inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) which prevents angiotensin 1 -> 2 conversion

  • prevents sodium and water retention
  • prevent NE release mildly
  • prevents vasoconstriction ( keeps vasodilation present)
  • decreases CO and SVR and BP
  • induces bradykinin (BK) build up overtime since it also blocks kininase 2 which breaks down BK

Efficacy in HTN:

ADRs:

  • potent ever present cough (due to BK buildup, is contraindicated if present)
  • contraindicated in pregnancy
  • very poor efficacy in African Americans
  • nephrotoxicity
  • angina
  • hypersensitivity
58
Q

SARTANs

A

MOA: block AT1 receptors (indirectly stops ACE inhibitors)
- similar effects to ACEIs

often used as replacement if BK-induced cough is present

SAME ADRs w/ slightly lowered efficacy