Pharm-Ch. 45

Question 1

Antiarrhythmics

Answer 1

drugs that affect the action potential of cardiac cells and are used to treat arrhythmias and restore normal rate and rhythm.

Question 2

Bradycardia

Answer 2

slower-than-normal heart rate (usually less than 60 beats/min).

Question 3

Cardiac Output

Answer 3

the amount of blood the heart can pump per beat; influenced by the coordination of cardiac muscle contraction, heart rate, and blood return to the heart.

Question 4

CAST

Answer 4

Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. A large research study run by the National Heart and Lung Institute that found that long-term Tx of arrhythmias may have a questionable effect on mortality and in some cases actually lead to increased cardiac death; basis for the current indication for antiarrhythmics (short-term use to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias).

Question 5

Heart Blocks

Answer 5

blocks to conduction of an impulse through the cardiac conduction system; can occur at the atrioventricular node, interrupting conduction from the atria into the ventricles, or in the bundle branches within the ventricles, preventing the normal conduction of the impulse.

Question 6

Hemodynamics

Answer 6

the study of the forces moving blood throughout the cardiovascular system.

Question 7

PAC

Answer 7

Premature Atrial Contraction. Caused by an ectopic focus in the atria that stimulates an atrial response.

Question 8

PVC

Answer 8

Premature Ventricular Contraction. Caused by an ectopic focus in the ventricles that stimulates the cells and causes an early contraction.

Question 9

Proarrhythmic

Answer 9

tending to cause arrhythmias; many of the drugs used to treat arrhythmias have been found to generate them.

Question 10

Tachycardia

Answer 10

faster-than-normal heart rate (usually greater than 100 bpm)