Cardio meds on test

Loop diuretic

Peeing decreases water volume, which decreases blood volume, which decreases venous return to the heart.

Hypokalemia, Electrolyte disturbances, Volume depletion, Oxotoxicity (hearing loss), Hypomagensemia, hypochloremia, hyperuricemia,hypercalcemia, hyponatremia

Monitor for orthostatic hypotension, Monitor potassium levels (3.5 – 5.3 is normal)

ACE Inhibitor

ACE Inhibitor

Decreases conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II in the lungs

Dry, hacking cough, Angioedema, Hypotension, Hyperkalemia

Don't give w/ K+ sparing diuretics

Beta blocker

Reduce BP by blocking beta 2 (lungs) adrenergic effects, Decrease heart rate (myocardial oxygen demand is decreased by reducing HR, BP, and contractility)

Hypotension, Bronchospasm, Erectile dysfunction, Depression, Bradycardia

Monitor pulse and BP, Use with caution in patients with DM, Teach pt not to stop taking suddenly

Vasodilator

• Decrease systemic vascular resistance (SVR) by
• arterial vasodilation, Used during hypertensive emergencies

Palpitations, tachycardia

Need BP checks every 15 minutes, Thiocynate levels must be monitored

LMWH

Alters the blood’s ability to clot (blood thinner)

• Must be given SQ in love handles, do NOT expel
• air bubble before administrating drug

Hemorhagge

Monitor CBC, Protamine sulfate partially reverses effects of drug, Routine coagulation tests NOT done

Anticoagulant

• Prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and
• prothrombin to thrombin, Used for VTE prophylaxis, Given IV or SQ, Prevents thrombus enlargement and prevents
• further embolization

Low platelet counts

• Dose is usually weight-based,aPTT monitored for drug effectiveness (every 6
• hours), normal aPTT is 25-35 seconds (off Heparin), aPTT on Heparin should be 50-70 seconds, Protamine Sulfate (antidote) should be immediately available, Coumadin is started while on Heparin

anticoagulant; Vitamin K antagonist

Skin necrosis or gangrene, “Purple Toes Syndrome”

International ratio (INR) used for monitoring therapeutic levels, Antidote is Vitamin K, Avoid green, leafy vegetables

cholesterol lowering agent

Decrease LDL, Decrease triglycerides, Increase HDL

flushing

cholesterol lowering agent

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, Decrease LDL, Decrease triglycerides, Increase HDL

Increased liver enzymes, Myopathy (muscle weakness), Rhabdomyolysis (damaged skeletal muscle tissue breakdown)

Liver enzymes may be monitored every few months, Creatinine kinase (CK) level may increase too much, which could cause muscle aches and/or weakness

sublingual nitroglyceran

IV nitroglycerin

Coronary artery dilation (increases blood flow), Used in management of angina, peripheral dilation

To abort angina attacks that have occurred

• In prophylactic management (maintain health
• & prevent spread of disease)

Orthostatic hypotension, Headache

Teach pt they may take Tylenol for headache, If a patch is used, it should placed on area free of hair, May take 1 sublingual nitroglycerin, every 5 minutes for angina

Ca+ channel blocker

• Blocks movement of calcium into cells, causing
• vasodilation and decreased HR, decreased SVR, and decreased contractility

Bradycardia

Use w/caution in pts w/ heart failure

Clot busters

Breaks up fibrin meshwork in clots, Used only in STEMI

Hemorrhage

Give within first 6 hours of onset of chest pain, Be aware of absolute contraindications and relative contraindications, Monitor patient for bleeding (gums or IV site bleeding is normal and not a reason to stop therapy)

• 1. Change in LOC
• 2. Blood in urine or stools
• 3. Sudden drop in BP
• 4. Increase in HR

II, III, aVF

V1, V2, V3, V4

I, aVL, V5, V6

• SA, AV nodes
• Rt atrium
• Rt ventricle

Lt ventricle

Lateral wall of lt ventricle