16 Questions
What is the primary mechanism of action of ACEIs in reducing blood pressure?
Blocking the conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II
Which of the following is a therapeutic use of ACEIs in animals?
Management of heart failure
What is a common adverse effect of ACEIs, especially when used with a K+-sparing diuretic or K+ supplement?
Hyperkalemia
Which of the following vasodilators reduces systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure?
All of the above
What is the mechanism of action of hydralazine?
Stimulating nitric oxide release by endothelial cells
What is a therapeutic use of amlodipine in dogs?
Management of refractory CHF, especially from mitral valve disease
What is a common adverse effect of hydralazine?
Hypotension
How long does the effect of amlodipine last?
24 hours
Which of the following effects of vasodilators is most beneficial in terms of cardiac output?
Decrease in afterload on the heart
Why are ACEIs usually not the first choice for managing hypertension in cats?
Because they are not as effective as amlodipine
What is the primary mechanism of action of amlodipine in reducing blood pressure?
Blocking of Ca2+ influx across cardiac and vascular smooth muscle
Why is hypotension less likely to occur with amlodipine compared to hydralazine?
Because amlodipine has a slower onset of action
Which of the following is a common adverse effect of vasodilators?
Hypotension
Why are ACEIs converted to their active form in the liver?
Because they are prodrugs
What is the primary effect of vasodilators on cardiac output?
Increase in cardiac output
Which of the following is a therapeutic use of hydralazine?
Treatment of myocardial failure and hypertension
Study Notes
ACE Inhibitors
- Block the conversion of angiotensin I into the active angiotensin II
- Induce vasodilation and decrease blood pressure
- Decrease aldosterone secretion, a hormone that promotes renal Na+ retention
- Most ACEIs (except captopril and lisinopril) are prodrugs converted to active form in the liver
- Therapeutic uses: chronic management of heart failure, management of arterial hypertension in dogs
- Adverse effects: hypotension, hyperkalemia (especially with K+-sparing diuretic or K+ supplement)
Vasodilators
- Decrease systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure
- Decrease afterload on the heart
- Improve forward cardiac output flow
- Relax systemic veins and increase venous capacitance
- Decrease cardiac filling pressures (preload)
Hydralazine
- Mechanism of action: stimulates nitric oxide release by endothelial cells
- Pharmacologic effects: relaxes vascular smooth muscle
- Therapeutic uses: treatment of myocardial failure and hypertension
- Adverse effects: hypotension and reflex tachycardia
Amlodipine (NorvascR)
- Mechanism of action: blocks Ca2+ influx across cardiac and vascular smooth muscle
- Pharmacologic effects: exerts mainly vasodilating effects, with no appreciable cardiac effects
- Therapeutic uses: first choice for hypertension in cats and dogs, used in dogs with refractory CHF
- Administration: oral, metabolized by the liver, effect lasts 24 hours
- Adverse effects: hypotension possible, but less likely than with hydralazine
ACE Inhibitors
- Block the conversion of angiotensin I into the active angiotensin II
- Induce vasodilation and decrease blood pressure
- Decrease aldosterone secretion, a hormone that promotes renal Na+ retention
- Most ACEIs (except captopril and lisinopril) are prodrugs converted to active form in the liver
- Therapeutic uses: chronic management of heart failure, management of arterial hypertension in dogs
- Adverse effects: hypotension, hyperkalemia (especially with K+-sparing diuretic or K+ supplement)
Vasodilators
- Decrease systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure
- Decrease afterload on the heart
- Improve forward cardiac output flow
- Relax systemic veins and increase venous capacitance
- Decrease cardiac filling pressures (preload)
Hydralazine
- Mechanism of action: stimulates nitric oxide release by endothelial cells
- Pharmacologic effects: relaxes vascular smooth muscle
- Therapeutic uses: treatment of myocardial failure and hypertension
- Adverse effects: hypotension and reflex tachycardia
Amlodipine (NorvascR)
- Mechanism of action: blocks Ca2+ influx across cardiac and vascular smooth muscle
- Pharmacologic effects: exerts mainly vasodilating effects, with no appreciable cardiac effects
- Therapeutic uses: first choice for hypertension in cats and dogs, used in dogs with refractory CHF
- Administration: oral, metabolized by the liver, effect lasts 24 hours
- Adverse effects: hypotension possible, but less likely than with hydralazine
Learn about ACE inhibitors, their mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects. Discover how they impact blood pressure, hormone secretion, and more.
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