Drugs Used in Hypertension Overview

Digoxin targets both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Amiodarone belongs to Class III antiarrhythmic drugs.

Beta-blockers decrease heart rate by inhibiting the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine.

<p>Class IA drugs primarily block fast sodium (Na+) channels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lidocaine is the Class IB drug that is commonly given intravenously.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Verapamil inhibits calcium (Ca²+) channels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sotalol is classified as a Class III antiarrhythmic drug.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Class IC agents decrease fast Na+ current.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'SAN' refers to the Sinoatrial Node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Norepinephrine and epinephrine are the stress hormones linked to increased heart rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, increased exercise, and smoking cessation significantly reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vasodilators may be used in patients with additional conditions, such as angina, heart failure, or after a myocardial infarction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ACE inhibitors decrease the synthesis of angiotensin II, while ARBs block its effects, leading to reduced blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Almost a third of the UK population requires drug treatment for hypertension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Centrally acting drugs are rarely used due to their significant adverse effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mild-to-moderate hypertension is typically managed with a single drug, though many patients require combinations of two or three.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Many patients, if not most, do not have their blood pressure adequately controlled despite treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Moderation of alcohol and salt intake is essential as it helps in reducing blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node determine the rhythm of the heart by generating electrical impulses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>β-receptors increase cardiac activity by enhancing the gNa, which can lead to arrhythmias during stress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An increased effective refractory period can prevent premature heartbeats and stabilize the cardiac rhythm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>β-blockers can inhibit the adrenergic stimulation of the heart, helping to control ventricular arrhythmias.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Consequences of arrhythmias can range from mild discomfort to severe events like heart failure or sudden death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Decreased gK and increased gNa lead to depolarization, facilitating the generation of cardiac action potentials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Arrhythmias can occur even in healthy hearts, causing occasional discomfort or serious cardiac symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The effective refractory period is typically longer than the action potential duration, limiting the frequency of subsequent action potentials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diuretics initially lower blood pressure by decreasing blood volume, venous return, and cardiac output, but the hypotensive effect persists even after cardiac output returns to normal due to reduced peripheral resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thiazide diuretics reduce sodium reabsorption and promote potassium excretion, which can lead to hypokalaemia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The tone of vascular smooth muscle is influenced by cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, which is increased by α1-adrenoceptor activation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ARBs lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin receptors and do not cause cough, unlike ACE inhibitors which prevent bradykinin degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thiazide diuretics may cause hypokalaemia, diabetes mellitus, and gout.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diuretics may lower smooth muscle Na+, causing a secondary reduction in intracellular Ca2+, which makes the muscle less responsive to endogenous vasoconstrictors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A small but persistent reduction in body sodium contributes to long-term blood pressure control and vascular resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ARBs do not prevent bradykinin degradation, which is believed to be responsible for the cough associated with ACE inhibitors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sinus bradycardia is commonly seen after acute myocardial infarction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acetylcholine generally slows heart rate while norepinephrine increases it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Arrhythmias can arise from the atrial myocardium or the ventricles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An ectopic focus can occur when a group of cells in the heart fires at a higher rate than the normal pacemaker.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Many antiarrhythmic drugs can induce lethal arrhythmias, especially in patients with ischemic heart disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antiarrhythmics are classified based on their electrophysiological effects on Purkinje fibers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The relationship between the electrophysiological effects on cardiac action potential and therapeutic effects is not usually well understood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>If cardiac output is lowered, it can lead to various complications, including arrhythmias.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrates primarily work by dilating both venous capacitance vessels and arteriolar resistance vessels, reducing preload and afterload.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bisopropolol is one example of a beta-blocker used for angina.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Calcium-channel blockers reduce intracellular calcium levels, leading to vasodilation of blood vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A low LDL/HDL ratio is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease and angina.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood clot formation, reducing the risk of heart attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tissue thiols facilitate the conversion of nitrates to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Beta-blockers decrease heart rate and contractility, leading to reduced myocardial oxygen demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Calcium is essential for the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reduced venous return decreases preload, which can alleviate the symptoms of angina.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Common side effects include headache and hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Abdominal obesity is linked with factors like hypertension and diabetes, which increase angina risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Guanylyl cyclase converts GTP to cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medication can help manage high blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>During an ischemic event, coronary arteries experience reduced blood flow and increased resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers