The Benefits and risks of treatment

Question 1

antihypertensives

Answer 1

drug which reduces high blood pressure

Question 2

diuretics

Answer 2

drugs which increase the volume of urine produced

Question 3

beta blockers

Answer 3

drugs which block the response of the heart to hormones such as adrenaline

Question 4

sympathetic nerve inhibitors

Answer 4

drugs which inhibit sympathetic nerves, keeping arteries dilated

Question 5

ACE inhibitors

Answer 5

drugs which block the production of angiotensin

Question 6

side-effect

Answer 6

a secondary, usually undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment

Question 7

statins

Answer 7

drugs that lower the level of cholesterol in the blood

Question 8

placebo

Answer 8

an inactive substance resembling a drug being trialled which is used as an experimental control

Question 9

plant stanols and sterols

Answer 9

similar in structure to cholesterol, these compounds can help reduce blood cholesterol in those consuming them

Question 10

anticoagulant

Answer 10

a substance that interferes with the manufacture of prothrombin in the body

Question 11

platelet inhibitory drugs

Answer 11

drugs used to prevent blood clots forming by preventing platelets clumping together