General Concept Flashcards
1
Q
Which drug class used for HTN can cause coronary vasospasm and why?
A
beta-blockers
Coronary vasculature has both alpha and beta receptors. Activation of alpha receptors by circulating epinephrine causes vasoconstriction, but this is balanced by activation of beta-2 receptors causing vasodilation. Norepinephrine also activates alpha receptors. If beta-2 blockade occurs, the vasoconstrictive properties are unopposed.
