Drug Therapy & Treatments for Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders

 


Describe the goals of drug therapy for hypertension and the different antihypertensive treatment. 
Describe types of arrhythmias and their treatment
Discuss Atrial Fibrillation
Discuss types of anemia, causes, symptoms, and treatment options

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it causes significant organ damage.

Goals of Drug Therapy

The primary goal of antihypertensive therapy is to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Target Blood Pressure: For most adults, the goal is to lower BP to less than 130/80 mmHg.

Complication Prevention: Arresting damage to the "target organs": the heart (heart failure, heart attack), brain (stroke), kidneys (renal failure), and eyes (retinopathy).

Antihypertensive Treatments

Treatment often starts with lifestyle modifications (DASH diet, low salt) but frequently requires one or more of these drug classes:

Diuretics (Water Pills): Help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume. Example: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide.

ACE Inhibitors: Block a hormone that narrows blood vessels, allowing them to relax. Example: Lisinopril.

ARBs: Similar to ACE inhibitors but block the receptors the hormone attaches to. Example: Losartan.