Cardiology Medications Quiz

Drugs used to remove excess fluid from the body, particularly in patients with heart failure. They help reduce fluid overload, decrease pressure on the heart, and improve its efficiency.

High-ceiling diuretics, like furosemide and bumetanide, are powerful drugs used to rapidly remove significant amounts of fluid in patients with severe heart failure.

These diuretics, such as spironolactone, help remove fluid while preserving potassium levels, which is crucial for heart function.

Drugs that increase the force of the heart muscle's contraction, improving its ability to pump blood effectively.

Digoxin is a common example of a cardiac glycoside that is extracted from digitalis plants. It improves heart function by increasing its contractile force and slowing its rate.

ACE inhibitors like captopril, lisinopril, and enalapril, are essential in managing heart failure. They relax blood vessels, reduce pressure on the heart, and improve blood flow.

Drugs that slow down the heart rate, like propranolol, verapamil, and diltiazem, can be used in heart failure to improve rhythm and reduce oxygen demand.

Digoxin toxicity is a serious condition that can arise when too much digoxin is in the body. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and irregular heartbeats.

Diuretics are medications that remove excess fluid from the body, primarily used in heart failure to reduce fluid overload, decrease pressure on the heart, and improve its efficiency.

High-ceiling diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide, are potent drugs used to rapidly remove significant amounts of fluid in patients with severe heart failure.

Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, help remove fluid while preserving potassium levels, which is crucial for heart function.

Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are extracted from digitalis plants and improve heart function by increasing its contractile force and regulating its rate.

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is excreted by the kidneys, making it less suitable for patients with renal failure. Digitoxin is preferred in such cases as it is mainly excreted through the liver.

Digoxin toxicity can be dangerous, presenting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and irregular heartbeats. Treatment involves stopping digoxin administration, giving antidotes like lidocaine, and managing any arrhythmias.

ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, lisinopril, and enalapril, are crucial in managing heart failure. They relax blood vessels, reduce pressure on the heart, and improve blood flow.

Beta-blockers like propranolol, verapamil, and diltiazem, can slow down the heart rate, improve rhythm, and reduce oxygen demand in heart failure patients.

Vasodilators like glyceryl nitrate and hydralazine are used intravenously for rapid relief of acute left ventricular failure. They work by dilating blood vessels, lowering preload (the amount of blood in the heart before it contracts), and reducing strain on the heart.

Hydralazine, a vasodilator, dilates resistance vessels, lowers aortic impedance, and promotes renal vasodilation. It is particularly beneficial for patients with mild to moderate heart failure with compromised renal function.

Beta-blockers, like bisoprolol and carvedilol, are used in heart failure to slow down the heart rate, reduce oxygen demand, and improve the heart's efficiency. They are often combined with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and digoxin for optimal management.

Cardiac stimulants like dopamine and dobutamine are potent drugs used in emergency situations of pump failure, like cardiogenic shock. They increase the force of heart contractions and improve blood flow, but require careful monitoring due to their strong effects.

Dobutamine, a relatively selective beta-1 agonist, is used in small doses for acute heart failure. Its positive inotropic effect improves heart contractions, while its vasodilating properties help with blood flow.