Heart Failure

Question 1

Which drug in the treatment of heart failure, initially makes the condition worse in short term but improves it in the long term?

Answer 1

Beta Blockers

Question 2

Describe the mechanism of action for Cardiac Glycosides.

Answer 2

Comptetes with K+ ions at the K+/Na+ATPase pump within the cell membrane of cardiac muscle cells. This therefore increases the heart’s force of contraction and the cardiac output.

Question 3

Give an example of a cardiac glycoside.

Answer 3

Digoxin

Question 4

In what kind of heart failure are nitrates used?

Answer 4

Acute heart failure

Question 5

How do nitrates like GTN work?

Answer 5

They produce nitric oxide which causes an efflux of Ca2+.
This causes hyperpolarisation and relaxation.
Nitrates also cause arteriolar dilation and increased blood flow in the coronary arteries.
Along with decreased preload and afterload with maintained CO.

Question 6

Give an example of an angiotensin receptor blocker.

Answer 6

Losartan

Question 7

Name one loop diuretic and one thiazide diuretic

Answer 7

Furosemide and bendrofluazide

Question 8

How do diuretics work?

Answer 8

Inhibits the reabsorption of NaCl in the tubules of the kidney, this therefore increases the excretion of Na+, Cl- and Water from the blood.

Question 9

What is the first line treatment for heart failure?

Answer 9

ACE Inhibitors and beta blockers