introduction to CVS drugs

Question 1

What are the antiplatelet drugs

Answer 1

1. aspirin
2. clopidogrel
3. ticagrelor

Question 2

What are the side effects of antiplatelets

Answer 2

Bleeding

Question 3

What can beta blockers help with

Answer 3

• Reduce symptoms in angina, atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia
• Reduce mortality in ischaemic heart disease and heart failure

Question 4

What are examples of beta blockers

Answer 4

…olol:
- bisoprolol
- propranolol
- atenolol
- metoprolol

Question 5

What do beta blockers cause

Answer 5

Slow heart rate and conduction - increases diastolic time, reduces blood pressure and protects the heart from catecholamines which are stress hormones

Question 6

What can beta blockers - specificall propranolol not be used for

Answer 6

Asthmatics because of the risks of potentially leading to bronchospasm

Question 7

Describe the RAAS system

Answer 7

1. Angiotensinogen produced by the liver
2. Renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I due to reduced MAP
3. ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II
4. Angiotensin II signals the adrenal gland to release aldosterone

Question 8

What are common ACE inhibitors

Answer 8

• Ramipril
• Lisonipril
• captopril

Question 9

What are common ARBS - angiotensin receptor blockers

Answer 9

Losartan and candesartan

Question 10

What is the result of ACE inhibitors

Answer 10

less conversion of aldosterone I to aldosterone II which is a potent vasoconstrictor - therefore reduction in blood pressure

Question 11

If patient has a cough and is on ACEi what should be done

Answer 11

Switch to ARBS

Question 12

What are examples of aldosterone antagonists and what side effects

Answer 12

• Spironolactone
  -Eplenerone
  Can cause renal impairment and hyperkalaemia

Question 13

What are dihydropyrinide calcium channel blockers and give examples

Answer 13

Block calcium entry into smooth muscle and cause vasodilation :
- Amlodipine
- felodipine
- nifedipine

Question 14

What are non-dydropyridine calcium channel blockers and give examples

Answer 14

Block calcium entry in smooth muscles but particularly affect the pacemaker tissues:
- Verapamil
- Diltazem

Question 15

What are statins and give examples

Answer 15

Reduce levels of LDL in the blood which reduces Cardiovascular risk:
Simvastatin, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin

Question 16

What are diuretics and give examples

Answer 16

Increase excretion of fluid from the kidney - causes symptomatic treatment of oedema in heart failure:
Loop diuretics such as furosemide
Antihypertensive effects : Thiazides such as indapamide