HTN

• Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications work by altering the movement of calcium ions through the cell membrane preventing muscle contraction and causing vasodilation, and lowering of blood pressure (decreased SVR).
• Calcium Channel Blockers: "dipine" Verapamil and Diltiazem.
• Angiotesin-converting enzyme inhibitor: These medications prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by inhibiting ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) which prevents vasoconstriction.
• Angiotesin-converting enzyme inhibitor: prils
• Angiotesin-converting enzyme inhibitor: HTN, HF patients, Diabetics, decrease mortality in HF patients.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications block the effects of angiotensin II at the receptor and decrease PVR. (no adjustments needed for elderly). Primarily affects vascular smooth muscles and adrenal gland. Thus blocking vasoconstriction and secretion of Aldosterone.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Sartan. Monitor for angioedema and HF. Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Good for patient who had cough from ACE inhibitors.
• Aldosterone Receptor Agonists: These medications block the action of aldosterone on sodium, potassium, and water retention. Monitor vitamin K levels.
• Aldosterone Receptor Agonists: one. spironolactone, eplerenone.
• Evidence that ARBs: are better tolerated and are associated with lower mortality after MI than ACE inhibitors
• Centrally Acting Alpha2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulators (Agonists): •Action-These medications work by reducing PVR and BP by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine. NOT first-line HTN tx. Can cause sedation, orthostatic HTN, and impotence.
• Centrally Acting Alpha2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulators (Agonists): Clonidine and methyldopa Not typically prescribed as first-line antihypertensive drugs. Adjunct drugs to treat hypertension after other drugs have failed. Used with diuretics.
• Beta Receptor Blockers: Action-These medications work by blocking the sympathetic nervous system (beta adrenergic receptors) lowering HR and BP.
• Beta Receptor Blockers: lol.
• Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Drugs (Antagonists): These medications work by causing vasodilation thus lowering BP. All used to treat hypertension. Glaucoma. BPH: doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin. Management of severe heart failure (HF) when used with cardiac glycosides and diuretics
• Dual-Action Alpha1 and Beta Receptor Blockers: Carvedilol. Uses are hypertension, mild to moderate HF in conjunction with digoxin, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. Contraindications are known drug allergy, cardiogenic shock, severe bradycardia or HF, bronchospastic conditions such as asthma, and various cardiac problems involving the conduction system.
• Central-Alpha 2 agonists: These medications work by reducing PVR and BP by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine. NOT first-line HTN treatment. Can cause sedation, orthostatic HTN, and impotence. Clonidine is used primarily for its ability to decrease blood pressure.
• Vasodilators: These medications Directly relax arteriolar or venous smooth muscle (or both).  This results in Decreased SVR, decreased afterload, peripheral vasodilation. Avoid foods high in K+ and monitor level regularly as hyperkalemia can occur. Good option for patients with cough from ACE inhibitors. Hydralazine or sodium nitroprusside.
• Diuretics: These medications work by decreasing plasma and extracellular fluid volumes. Thus, decreasing preload, decreasing CO, and decreasing total PVR.