Pharmacology and Angina Concepts
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which medication is primarily used as an inotropic agent aside from digoxin?

  • Milrinone
  • Amlodipine
  • Dobutamine (correct)
  • Dopamine
  • What condition does angina most commonly indicate?

  • Coronary Artery Disease (correct)
  • Heart Failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Hypertension
  • What is Milrinone classified as?

  • Anticoagulant
  • Calcium channel blocker
  • Phosphodiesterase inhibitor (correct)
  • Beta-blocker
  • What type of angina is characterized by short-lasting discomfort typically induced by effort?

    <p>Stable angina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of angina?

    <p>Severe headache (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can lead to the development of angina?

    <p>Atherosclerotic disease of the coronary arteries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the initial treatment for acute heart failure typically administered?

    <p>Intravenously (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of angina is also known as variant angina?

    <p>Prinzmetal angina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of nitrates in treating angina?

    <p>To dilate the coronary vasculature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of nitroglycerin is preferred for immediate relief of an angina attack?

    <p>Sublingual tablets or spray (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is ranolazine's mechanism of action?

    <p>It inhibits the late phase of sodium current (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two key lipids involved in hyperlipidemia?

    <p>Cholesterol and triglycerides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered elevated serum cholesterol level indicative of atherosclerosis?

    <p>Above 240 mg/dL (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the body?

    <p>To deliver cholesterol to peripheral cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the desired effect of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) regarding atherosclerosis?

    <p>To carry cholesterol to the liver for metabolism and excretion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In patients who fail other antianginal therapies, which medication is typically indicated?

    <p>Ranolazine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which positive inotropes increase cardiac muscle contractility?

    <p>Increased cytoplasmic calcium concentration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications is commonly used for short-term treatment in inpatient settings?

    <p>Digitalis glycosides (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most widely used digitalis glycoside?

    <p>Digoxin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common initial indicator of digoxin toxicity?

    <p>Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors could predispose a patient to digoxin toxicity?

    <p>Hypokalemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is digoxin primarily eliminated from the body?

    <p>Renal excretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What therapy is indicated for patients with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)?

    <p>Initiation of ACE inhibitors, β-blockers, and diuretics followed by digoxin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the severe managements required in case of digoxin toxicity?

    <p>Replenish potassium if indicated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to cholesterol levels when there is an increased loss of bile acids?

    <p>Cholesterol levels decrease as the liver uses it to produce more bile. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions can lead to an arrhythmia?

    <p>A heart disease. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of hypertension in adults?

    <p>BP greater than or equal to 140 mmHg systolic pressure, or greater than or equal to 90 mmHg diastolic pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a controllable risk factor for hypertension?

    <p>Age (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the P-R interval on an electrocardiogram indicate?

    <p>Time delay between atrial and ventricular activation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main action of diuretics?

    <p>Promote a net loss of sodium ions and water from the body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)?

    <p>Losartan (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a non-drug management strategy for arrhythmia?

    <p>Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of aldosterone antagonists like spironolactone?

    <p>Reduce levels of aldosterone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of antiarrhythmic drug therapy?

    <p>To restore normal cardiac function and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of diuretic is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension?

    <p>Thiazide diuretics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An enlarged R wave on an ECG indicates what condition?

    <p>Enlarged ventricles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary benefits of β-blockers in heart disease management?

    <p>Inhibit release of renin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is NOT a main use of diuretics?

    <p>Hyperlipidemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the management of arrhythmias through pharmacological means?

    <p>Inhibiting the function of specific ion channels or altering autonomic input. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does hypertension have on the peripheral vascular arteriolar smooth muscle?

    <p>Increased tone leading to increased arteriolar resistance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diuretics are mainly used to relieve which of the following conditions in heart failure patients?

    <p>Pulmonary and peripheral edema (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT classified as an antihypertensive drug?

    <p>Antiplatelets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A prolonged Q-T interval on an ECG can reveal what type of abnormality?

    <p>Repolarization abnormality increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following diuretics is most commonly used in heart failure?

    <p>Bumetanide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in hypertension management?

    <p>To decrease peripheral vascular resistance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nitrates and hydralazine are classified as which type of medication?

    <p>Venous and arterial dilators (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common side effect is associated with the combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate?

    <p>Hypotension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Positive inotropic agents primarily serve to enhance which of the following?

    <p>Cardiac contractility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Hypertension

    The medical term for high blood pressure, defined in adults as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or greater, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or greater.

    Diuretics

    Drugs that promote a net loss of sodium ions and water from the body, increasing urine flow.

    Diuretics and nephron

    Different types of diuretics act at different sites of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney.

    How hypertension develops

    Hypertension results from increased tone of the peripheral vascular arteriolar smooth muscle, leading to increased arteriolar resistance and reduced capacitance of the venous system.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Controllable risk factors for hypertension

    Controllable risk factors for hypertension: obesity, sodium intake, alcohol, lack of exercise, and stress.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Uncontrollable risk factors for hypertension

    Uncontrollable risk factors for hypertension: age, race, and heredity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Types of diuretics

    1. thiazide diuretics, 2. loop diuretics, 3. K+ sparing diuretics, 4. osmotic diuretics, 5. carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Non-pharmacological treatment for hypertension

    Non-pharmacological treatments for hypertension include: weight reduction, salt restriction, moderation of alcohol consumption, and healthy eating.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

    These drugs block the angiotensin II receptor, preventing angiotensin II from binding and causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, ultimately lowering blood pressure and reducing strain on the heart.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aldosterone Antagonists

    These medications block the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention, leading to fluid overload. Reducing aldosterone levels helps to alleviate symptoms of heart failure by decreasing fluid buildup.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    β-Blockers

    β-blockers are used in heart failure to reduce the stress on the heart by slowing your heart rate and preventing the release of certain hormones. They help regulate the body's response to stress, making it easier for the heart to pump.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Vasodilators

    These drugs dilate blood vessels to decrease the workload on the heart. They help reduce the pressure in the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Inotropic Drugs

    Positive inotropic agents directly strengthen the heart muscle. They help the heart pump more effectively by increasing the force of its contractions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Positive Inotropes

    A group of medications used to increase heart muscle contractility and improve heart function in patients with heart failure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Digoxin

    A medication that increases the force of heart muscle contractions by raising the concentration of calcium ions in the heart cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Therapeutic Index

    The range between the effective dose of a drug and the toxic dose. A narrow index means that the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypokalemia

    A condition that increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding site on a key protein in the heart.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Digoxin Immune Fab

    A treatment used to remove digoxin from the body by binding to it and inactivating it.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

    A class of medications that stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased heart rate and contractility, and vasodilation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Positive Inotropic Effect

    A positive inotropic effect means that the medication strengthens the heart's contractility by increasing the force of its beat.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Inotropic Agent

    A drug that increases the strength of the heart's contractions, directly impacting how much blood the heart pumps out with each beat.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dobutamine

    A common inotropic agent used for short-term treatment of heart failure, acting by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

    A type of medication that increases intracellular calcium levels, thereby enhancing contractility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Milrinone

    A phosphodiesterase inhibitor commonly used for short-term heart failure treatment, increasing intracellular calcium.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Angina

    Chest pain or discomfort caused when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

    A narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the main blood suppliers to the heart.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stable Angina

    A type of angina characterized by a predictable pattern of chest pain triggered by exertion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cardiac Arrhythmia

    A condition where the heart beats irregularly, either too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Electrocardiogram (ECG)

    An electrical recording of the heart's activity, providing information about the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antiarrhythmic Drugs

    A specialized type of medication that regulates the heart's rhythm, targeting specific ion channels or influencing autonomic nervous system input.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    P-R Interval

    A measure of the time between the start of atrial depolarization (P wave) and the start of ventricular depolarization (QRS complex) on an ECG.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    P-R Segment

    A period on the ECG that represents the delay between atrial and ventricular activation, reflecting conduction through the AV node.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prolonged Q-T Interval

    An abnormal electrical signal in the heart that can increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, observed as a prolonged time on the ECG.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Arrhythmia Diagnosis

    The process of using an ECG to analyze the cause and type of arrhythmia, considering other clinical factors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Goal of Antiarrhythmic Therapy

    Restoring normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm) and preventing life-threatening arrhythmias.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are Nitrates and how do they work?

    Nitrates are a group of medications used to treat angina, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. They work by relaxing blood vessels, dilating coronary arteries, and increasing the heart's blood supply.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How do Nitrates vary in their administration and effects?

    Nitrates are available in different forms, each with varying onset of action and elimination rates. Sublingual nitroglycerin acts fastest, within 1-5 minutes, while oral and transdermal forms take longer, around 30-35 minutes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What form of Nitrates is best for sudden angina attacks?

    Sublingual nitroglycerin, either in tablet or spray form, is the preferred treatment for immediate relief of an angina attack due to its rapid onset of action.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Ranolazine and how does it work?

    Ranolazine is a medication that blocks sodium channels in heart cells, improving oxygen supply and demand balance. It's used to treat chronic angina, particularly in patients who haven't responded well to other medications.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is hyperlipidemia?

    Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids, particularly cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. It is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is LDL and its role in atherosclerosis?

    Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are responsible for transporting cholesterol to the cells. Excess LDL can lead to the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is HDL and its role in preventing atherosclerosis?

    High-density lipoproteins (HDL) collect cholesterol from the peripheral cells and transport it to the liver where it is disposed of. Higher HDL levels reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why are high HDL and low LDL levels desirable?

    Maintaining high HDL levels is beneficial because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, protecting against atherosclerosis. Conversely, lowering LDL levels is crucial to reduce the risk of heart disease.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Cardiovascular Drugs

    • Six categories of cardiovascular drugs are listed: antihypertensive, anti-heart failure, antianginal, anti-hyperlipidemic, antiarrhythmic, and antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic drugs.

    Hypertension

    • Hypertension is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg systolic pressure, or greater than or equal to 90 mmHg diastolic pressure in adults.
    • Hypertension originates from increased tone in peripheral vascular arteriolar smooth muscle, leading to increased arteriolar resistance and reduced capacitance of the venous system.
    • Controllable risk factors include obesity, sodium intake, alcohol, lack of exercise, and stress.
    • Uncontrollable risk factors include age, race, and heredity.

    Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension

    • Non-Pharmacological methods for treating hypertension include reduction of weight, restriction of salt, moderation of alcohol use, and consumption of healthy foods.

    Antihypertensive Drugs

    • Diuretics, beta adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, alpha-adrenergic blockers, vasodilators, and centrally acting agents are mentioned as antihypertensive drugs.

    Diuretics

    • Diuretics are drugs promoting net loss of sodium ions and water from the body, increasing urine flow.
    • Various diuretics act on different sites of the nephron (functional unit of the kidney).
    • Diuretics are frequently used for managing disorders with abnormal fluid distribution, such as hypertension, heart failure, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, peripheral edema, and acute renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, glaucoma, and increased intracranial pressure.
    • Types of diuretics mentioned include thiazide, loop, K+ sparing, osmotic, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
    • Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide interfere with the reabsorption of Na, K, and water at distal convoluted tubules.
    • Adverse effects of thiazide diuretics include hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and postural hypotension.
    • Loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid) interfere with salt and water reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle, increasing potassium excretion.
    • Adverse effects of loop diuretics include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and hypokalemia.
    • Potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride) block aldosterone action on the kidneys, increasing sodium and water excretion and potassium retention.
    • Adverse effect of potassium-sparing diuretics is hyperkalemia.

    Other Antihypertensive Agents

    • Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, timolol, nadolol) block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and contractility.

    • Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, diltiazem, verapamil, amlodipine, isradipine, lercanidipine) block calcium channels in smooth muscle, reducing or preventing muscle contraction, causing vasodilation.

    • Adverse effects of calcium channel blockers include dizziness, peripheral edema, and hypotension, asystole.

    • ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril) block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction and sodium retention caused by aldosterone.

    • Adverse effects of ACE inhibitors include dry cough, taste disorders, and hypokalemia.

    • Angiotensin II antagonists (losartan, candesartan, valsartan, irbesartan, telmisartan) prevent angiotensin II effects, promoting vasodilation and increasing renal salt and water excretion, reducing plasma volume.

    • Alpha-adrenergic blockers (prazosin, phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine) block alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasodilation.

    • Adverse effects include tachycardia.

    • Vasodilators (nitroprusside, hydralazine, minoxidil) directly relax blood vessels, reducing arterial blood pressure.

    • Centrally acting agents (methyldopa, clonidine) act on the vasomotor center of the brain, controlling blood pressure.

    • Adverse effects include sedation, drug fever, anemia, and hypotension.

    Hypertensive Emergency

    • Hypertensive emergencies are characterized by severe elevations in blood pressure (>180/120 mmHg) with evidence of impending or progressive target organ damage (stroke, myocardial infarction).
    • Hypertensive urgencies are characterized by severe elevation in blood pressure without evidence of target organ damage.
    • Treatment of hypertensive emergencies involve immediate lowering of blood pressure with intravenous agents such as nicardipine, nitroprusside, nitroglycerine, phentolamine, esmolol, labetalol, hydralazine or fenoldopam to prevent or limit further organ damage.

    Anti-Heart Failure Drugs

    • Anti-heart failure drugs aim to improve cardiac efficiency or reduce extra load.

    • Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disorder where the heart cannot adequately pump blood.

    • Symptoms include dyspnea (shortness of breath), fatigue, and fluid retention.

    • Ejection fraction (EF), often measured in the left ventricle (LV), measures the percentage of blood ejected each time the heart contracts.

    • Normal LVEF is 50% or higher.

    • Two types of heart failure are systolic and diastolic.

    • Systolic HF is the inability to pump effectively; LVEF is ≤40%.

    • Diastolic HF is impaired ventricle relaxation resulting in inadequate filling; preserved LVEF.

    Underlying Causes of Heart Failure

    • Underlying causes of heart failure can include: Arteriosclerotic heart disease, Myocardial infarction, Hypertensive heart disease, Valvular heart disease, Dilated cardiomyopathy, and Congenital heart disease.
    • Heart failure progresses from stage A to stage D based on severity, with polytherapy (combination of medications) initiated as the disease progresses.

    Types of Heart Failure

    • Two types are listed: systolic HF and diastolic HF.
    • Systolic is a reduced ejection fraction.
    • Diastolic is a preserved ejection fraction.

    Pharmacologic Intervention in Heart Failure

    • Pharmacologic interventions reduce myocardial workload, decrease extracellular fluid volume, improve cardiac contractility, and reduce cardiac remodeling.

    Summary of Drugs Used to Treat Heart Failure

    • ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), Anti-renin inhibitors, Aldosterone antagonists, Beta-adrenergic blockers, Diuretics, Direct vasodilators, Inotropics, and Natriuretic peptides are mentioned as important drug classes to treat heart failure.

    Actions of ACE Inhibitors in Heart Failure and Examples

    • ACE inhibitors are useful in all stages of left ventricular failure (LVHF).
    • They can be used in combination with other drugs, including diuretics, beta-blockers, digoxin, and aldosterone antagonists, and vasodilators.
    • Examples of ACE inhibitors mentioned include captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, perindopril, and benazepril.

    Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

    • ARBs are competitive antagonists of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor.
    • ARBS have similar actions as ACE inhibitors
    • Used to substitute ACE inhibitors if patients have severe cough or angioedema as a side effect.
    • Examples include irbesartan, valsartan, telmisartan, candesartan, and losartan.

    Aldosterone Antagonists

    • Patients with advanced heart conditions have elevated aldosterone levels due to angiotensin II stimulation and reduced hepatic clearance of aldosterone.
    • Spironolactone and eplerenone are used as aldosterone antagonists, often in more severe stages of heart failure (HFrEF).

    Beta-Blockers

    • Beta-blockers reduce the oxygen demands of the myocardium by blocking beta-1 receptors, decreasing heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure.
    • These agents reduce myocardial oxygen demand during exertion and at rest.
    • Examples of Beta-Blockers include propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, esmolol
    • Beta-blockers are effective to manage stable angina.
    • Beta-blockers are recommended as the initial antianginal therapy in most patients, with the exceptions being vasospastic angina in which beta-blockers are in effective and may worsen symptoms.

    Diuretics

    • Diuretics reduce pulmonary and peripheral edema, common in congestive heart failure resulting from blood backing up into the veins when the heart is unable to pump adequately.
    • Diuretics reduce plasma volume and cardiac output, lessening cardiac workload and oxygen demand.
    • Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide, and ethacrynic acid, are frequently used in heart failure.

    Vaso- and Venodilators

    • Nitrates and hydralazine, respectively, are venous and arterial dilators.
    • They are used in patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors or ARBs, typically in combination (fixed-dose combination) to improve symptoms and survival in heart failure.
    • Adverse effects include headache, dizziness, and hypotension.

    Inotropics

    • Positive inotropes enhance cardiac contractility, increasing cardiac output.
    • Examples include digitalis glycosides (digoxin), beta-receptor agonists (dobutamine, dopamine), and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (milrinone).
    • Although they act by different mechanisms, the inotropic actions increase intracellular calcium, enhancing contractility.
    • Most inotropes are only used short-term in acute heart failure settings..

    Digitalis Glycosides

    • Most drugs in this class are derived from the foxglove plant.
    • Digoxin is most widely used, but digitoxin has a longer duration of action.
    • Digoxin is administered orally, is extensively distributed, and has a long half-life (30-40 hours).
    • Renal dysfunction requires dose adjustments.
    • Digoxin is indicated in severe HF after initiation of ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretic therapy.

    Adverse Effects of Digoxin

    • Digoxin toxicity is possible due to its narrow therapeutic index and has symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, hypokalemia (increased sensitivity to digoxin in hypokalemic patients).
    • Management of toxicity involves discontinuation of digoxin and determining serum potassium levels and possible potassium replenishment.
    • Severe toxicity requires digoxin-specific antibody therapy (digibind).
    • Other adverse effects include yellowish vision (xanthopsia), and various cardiac arrhythmias.

    Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

    • Beta-adrenergic agonists improve cardiac performance by enhancing positive inotropic effects and vasodilation.
    • Dobutamine and dopamine are examples of frequently used beta-adrenergic agonists.
    • The treatment is usually provided in intravenous infusions for short-term relief of acute heart failure.

    Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

    • Milrinone, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, increases intracellular calcium and thereby enhances cardiac contractility.
    • Milrinone is typically administered via intravenous infusion for acute heart failure.

    Antianginal Drugs

    • Angina is chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscle due to coronary artery narrowing or blockage or coronary artery spasm.

    • Causes include atherosclerotic disease of the coronary arteries (most common cause).

    • Types include stable (effort-induced), unstable, and Prinzmetal (variant, vasospastic, or rest) angina.

    • Stable angina is the most common form, typically characterized by short-lasting chest pain (in response to physical exertion), typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

    • Unstable angina is a more serious form, with symptoms worsening in frequency, duration, and intensity with less exertion.

    • Prinzmetal angina is an uncommon form, occurring at rest due to coronary artery spasm.

    • Treatment strategies for angina include:

    • Prevention and relief of acute angina through sublingual nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate

    • Long-term treatment through oral or topical nitrates, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and sodium channel-blocking drugs (ranolazine).

    • Lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, physical activity, and weight management, and control of risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia) are critical in managing IHD (ischemic heart disease).

    HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

    • These drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
    • Atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin are examples.
    • They are indicated for patients with hypercholesterolemia, especially those at high risk of myocardial infarction.
    • Statins are mainly beneficial in reducing serum LDL cholesterol levels.

    Fibric Acid Derivatives

    • These drugs lower triglycerides and increase HDL. Gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and clofibrate are examples.
    • They are often used as adjunct to statins and are frequently prescribed when individuals do not respond to statins alone.

    Niacin

    • Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or pellagra-preventing vitamin, lowers triglycerides by 20-35% and increases HDL 10 to 20%.
    • It is the most effective agent in increasing HDL, but is contraindicated to use with statins as there is increase risk of rhabdomyolysis.
    • Adverse side effects include cutaneous flush and itching diarrhea.

    Bile Acid Sequestrants

    • These drugs (cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam) bind to bile acids in the small intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion in the feces.
    • As a result, bile formation in the liver requires cholesterol, reducing serum cholesterol.
    • They are effective to lower LDL Cholesterol.

    Antiarrhythmic Drugs

    • The goal of antiarrhythmic drug therapy is to restore normal cardiac function and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
    • Antiarrhythmic drugs modify the action potential of cardiac cells to correct electrophysiological events causing the arrhythmia using Sodium channel blockers (Class I), B-adrenergic blockers (Class II), Potassium channel blockers (Class III), and calcium channel blockers (Class IV)
    • Classes I, II, III, and IV of these are drugs that inhibit different phases of the action potential, correcting abnormal electrical events that give rise to arrhythmias.
    • Different pharmacological strategies can be used to treat arrhythmia, including transcatheter radiofrequency ablation, intraoperative cryoablation, implanted pacemakers, and defibrillation.

    Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, and Thrombolytic Drugs

    • These are a group of drugs that either inhibit platelet aggregation (antiplatelets) or inhibit thrombin or other factors in the coagulation cascade (anticoagulants); or dissolve clots (thrombolytics).
    • They are commonly used to treat or prevent thrombotic disorders such as acute myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism (PE), acute ischemic stroke, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

    Antiplatelets

    • Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, dipyridamol) decrease platelet aggregation, reducing clot formation.

    Anticoagulants

    • Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin, low molecular weight heparins, argatroban, bivalirudin, fondaparinux, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) either inhibit coagulation factors (e.g., heparin) or interfere with their synthesis (e.g., warfarin)..

    Thrombolytics

    • Thrombolytics (streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase) dissolve pre-existing clots.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Cardiovascular Drugs PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers essential pharmacological concepts related to inotropic agents, angina, and lipid management. Test your knowledge on medications used for treating angina, their mechanisms, and how they impact heart conditions. Perfect for students studying cardiovascular pharmacology.

    More Like This

    Angina Treatment and Coronary Blood Flow Quiz
    20 questions
    Angina treatment drugs
    15 questions

    Angina treatment drugs

    ExhilaratingHawkSEye avatar
    ExhilaratingHawkSEye
    Angina Treatment Compounds Quiz
    39 questions
    Angina Treatment: Nitrates and Beta Blockers
    6 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser