Heart Failure Meds

Question 1

ACE inhibitors

Answer 1

(-pril) ex- LisinoPRIL, captoPRIL

• ASSESS: K, BP, renal function, angioedema
• blocks RAAS, decreases BP and decreases afterload

Question 2

If ACE inhibitors don’t work what do you go to?

Answer 2

ARBS and BB

Question 3

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Answer 3

(-artan) ex- valsartan, losartan

• 2ndary to ACE
• decrease BP, decrease afterload
• ASSESS: K, hypotension, renal function

Question 4

B-Andrenergic Blockers (BB)

Answer 4

(-lol) ex: metoprolol, atenolol

• blocks SNS, decrease contractility, dilate BV, decrease afterload
• ASSESS BP, HR

Question 5

Diuretics and 3 types

Answer 5

Decrease fluid volume, decrease preload

Assess: electrolytes, renal function, decrease BP, daily weight, lungs

Loop (furosemide=Lasix) 
Thiazide (hydrochlorothiazide=HCTZ) 
Aldosterone Antagonist (spironolactone=Aldactone)

Question 6

Positive Inotropic agents

Answer 6

(-in/-ine) ex: digoxin, dopamine, epinephrine

Increase force of contraction, slow conduction, decrease s/s HF

ASSESS: HR, ***K, digoxin toxicity, BUN/GFR/Cr

Question 7

Digoxin toxicity

Answer 7

N/V, blurred vision, halos, dysthymia

Question 8

Vasodilators-nitrates

Answer 8

Ex- Nitroglycerin, isosorbide for long term

ASSESS: BP

-decrease preload, dilates coronary arteries

Question 9

Morphine

Answer 9

Decrease preload AND afterload, vasodilator, decrease O2 demand