SPEC POINT 1.18

Question 1

What are the types of medication used to treat CVD?

Answer 1

1. Statins (cholesterol lowering drug)
2. Anticoagulants (anti-blood clotting drugs)
3. Platelet inhibitors
4. Antihypertensives (blood pressure lowering drug)

Question 2

How do statins work?

Answer 2

1. Lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme that produces LDL cholesterol in the liver
2. This lowers LDL concentration in blood and reduces the risk of atheroma formation

Question 3

How do anticoagulants work?

Answer 3

Reduce blood clotting to decrease likelihood of thrombosis and blood vessels being blocked by clots (blocking synthesis of clotting factors and release of Vit K)

Question 4

How do platelet inhibitors work?

Answer 4

Reduce blood clotting by preventing the clumping together of clots - prevent platelets from becoming activated/sticky to prevent formation of blood clot

Question 5

How do antihypertensives work, and what are the 3 main types?

Answer 5

Antihypertensives lower blood pressure to reduce risk of arterial endothelial damage
Beta Blockers = prevent increase in heart rate
Vasodilators = increase diameter of blood vessels
Diuretics = decrease sodium reabsorbed into blood by kidneys, therefore decreasing the volume of water being reabsorbed

Question 6

What are the benefits and risk of statins?

Answer 6

BENEFITS: reduce levels of LDLs so reduce atheroma development, increase levels of HDLs
RISKS: can take a while to be effective, must be taken long term, side effects include muscle and joint pain, liver damage and neurological issues, gives patients a false sense of security

Question 7

What are the benefits and risks of anti-hypertensives?

Answer 7

BENEFITS: reduce blood pressure, which can be monitored at home
RISKS: side effects include headaches, drowsiness, heart palpitations, patients may stop taking medicines due to the side effects

Question 8

What are the benefits and risks of anticoagulants?

Answer 8

BENEFITS: reduce formation of blood clots, and reduce size and growth of existing blood clots
RISKS: can cause excessive bleeding if injury occurs, side effects include osteoporosis and fainting, can damage foetus

Question 9

What are the benefits and risks of platelet inhbitors?

Answer 9

BENEFITS: reduces formation of new blood clots
RISKS: can cause excessive bleeding if injury occurs, side effects include rashes, liver dysfunction and stomach lining damage