Cardiac Drug Classifications Flashcards

Study Notes

Cardiac Drug Classifications

Chronotropic: Refers to the speed of heart rate and conduction.
Inotropic: Relates to the force of cardiac contractions, affecting cardiac output by either increasing or decreasing it.

ACE Inhibitors/ARBs

Block angiotensin activity, causing blood vessel relaxation and reducing heart strain.
Increase stroke volume and cardiac output while decreasing blood pressure, preload, and afterload.
Alleviate symptoms of heart failure and prevent disease progression, reducing thrombus formation.
African American patients may not respond effectively to ACE inhibitors.
Examples include captopril and losartan potassium.

Alpha Blockers

Induce vasodilation of arteries, enhancing kidney and skin perfusion.
Result in decreased blood pressure and afterload.
Examples include prazosin and carvedilol.

Beta Blockers

Inhibit sympathetic impulses to the heart, acting as negative inotropes.
Reduce heart rate, blood pressure, afterload, cardiac output, and myocardial contractility.
Effective in managing angina and decreasing the frequency of anginal attacks.
Examples include carvedilol, metoprolol tartrate, and propranolol.

Diuretics

Promote sodium and water excretion, effectively reducing preload.

Digitalis

Increases heart force while slowing the rate, exhibiting both positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects.
Used for treating advanced CHF not managed by ACE inhibitors or diuretics and also for dysrhythmias.

Vasodilators

Cause dilation of coronary arteries and vascular smooth muscles in veins and arteries.
Reduce systemic vascular resistance, increasing blood flow and cardiac output while decreasing preload, afterload, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Examples include hydralazine, isosorbide mononitrate, and nitroglycerin.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Promote vasodilation of coronary and peripheral arteries while slowing conduction through the AV node.
Decrease heart rate, afterload, contractility, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Lowers risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular complications; caution in heart failure patients.
Examples include nifedipine and diltiazem HCl.

Antiarrhythmics

Restore normal cardiac rhythm and conduction, requiring monitoring of EKG and blood levels.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease encompass dyspnea, angina, fatigue, edema, syncope, and palpitations.
Class II agents (beta blockers) target ventricular dysrhythmias and tachycardia, while Class IV agents (calcium channel blockers) address re-entry tachycardia and atrial fibrillation/flutter.
Examples include procainamide HCl, lidocaine, and amiodarone HCl.

Vasopressors

Enhance blood pressure and contractility in heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and emergency situations.
Examples include dopamine and dobutamine.

Antilipemics

Lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Examples include cholestyramine resin and lovastatin.

Anticoagulants

Thin blood to prevent clot formation.
Examples include clopidogrel bisulfate, dabigatran etexilate, and pentoxifylline.

Description

Explore key terms related to cardiac drug classifications with these flashcards. Learn about important concepts such as chronotropic and inotropic effects, as well as the role of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in managing heart conditions. Perfect for medical students or healthcare professionals looking to enhance their understanding of cardiac pharmacology.

Cardiac Drug Classifications Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'chronotropic' refer to?

What does 'inotropic' indicate in cardiac terms?

What do ACE inhibitors/ARBs do?

What is the main effect of alpha blockers?

Which of the following describes beta blockers?

What is the role of diuretics in cardiac treatment?

What effect does digitalis have on the heart?

What do vasodilators do?

What is the purpose of calcium channel blockers?

What do antiarrhythmics help restore?

What functions do vasopressors serve in cardiac care?

What is the role of antilipemics in cardiovascular health?

What is the function of anticoagulants?