| What are different targets of cardiovascular drugs? | Receptors (adrenergic alpha or beta receptors, angiotensine II receptors, aldosterone receptors, Platelet GP II b IIIa receptors, etc…)
Ion channel (Calcium, potassium, sodium)
Ion transport system : Na+ K+ (ATPase Na-K)
Enzymes (ACE or Angotensin Conversion Enzym Inhibitors, HMG CoA réductase inhibitors, Platelet cyclooxygenase, phosphodiesterase PDE, ..
Endogenous substances (Vitamine K, fibrine,..) |
| What are main CVDs focused on for pharmacology? | Hypertension
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Heart failure
Arrhythmias
Hyperlipidemia
Venous and Artery pathology |
| How is HTA dx? | It is defined as consistent reading of 130 mmHg/80mmHg, it results from increased peripheral arteriolar resistance and reduced capacitance of venous system.
Etiologies include (Primary causes like fam hx, blacks, hyperlipidemia, smoking, old age, excessive caffeine and sodium intake, excessive stress and secondary causes like kidney disease, aldosteronism, Cushing's, encephalitis..)
Essential ones are 90% of cases (10% secondary) |
| What are main complications associated with HTA? | Brain (CVA, HTA encephalopathy [confusion/headache/convulsion])
Blood (hyperglycemia)
Retina (HTA retinopathy)
Heart (MI, cardiomyopathy HF)
Kidneys (nephropathy, CKF) |
| How is mechanism of controlling BP? | As BP Is controlled by CO and peripheral vascular resistance and by overlapping mechanisms of baroreflexes [sympathetic nervous system - short term control] and RAAS [long term control].
Most antihypertensives reduce CO and/or decreased peripheral resistance |
| What are the main hypertensive tx drugs? | Diuretics
Sympatholytic Drugs (alpha and Beta Adrenergic Antagonists)
Calcium Channel Blockers
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor Antagonists (ARB)
Arterial Vasodilators |
| What are potential sites of action of antihypertensive drugs? | CNS (a2 agonists), Blood vessels (a1 blockers, Ca channel blockers, AT1 receptor antagonists, ACE inhibitors)
Kidney (diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors)
Heart (beta blockers)
Durgs are classified by their primary site/mechanism of action. |
