Chapter 9 Terms 8

An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is a drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a substance that normally acts to increase blood pressure. By inhibiting the action of angiotensin converting enzyme, the drug prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

An angiotensin receptor blocker is a type of drug that works by blocking the receptors for angiotensin II in the tissues. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to increased blood pressure. By blocking these receptors, angiotensin receptor blockers help to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. This class of drugs is commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.

An antiarrhythmic agent is a drug that is used to regulate the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. It helps to control abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, by restoring the normal electrical activity of the heart. These drugs work by either slowing down the heart rate or by stabilizing the electrical signals in the heart. By doing so, they can prevent or treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or other types of irregular heart rhythms.

A beta adrenergic blocking agent is a drug that reduces the rate and strength of heart contractions. It works by blocking the action of adrenaline and other stress hormones on the beta receptors in the heart. By doing so, it helps to slow down the heart rate and decrease the force of contractions, which can be beneficial in conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders. These medications are commonly known as beta-blockers and are frequently prescribed to manage cardiovascular conditions.

A calcium channel blocker is a type of drug that regulates the rate and force of heart contraction by controlling the entrance of calcium into the cells. Calcium is an essential mineral involved in muscle contraction, including the contraction of the heart. By blocking the calcium channels, these drugs reduce the amount of calcium that enters the cells, leading to a decrease in the force and rate of heart contraction. This can be beneficial in conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Digitalis is a drug that slows and strengthens heart muscle contractions. It is derived from the foxglove plant and contains compounds called cardiac glycosides. These compounds work by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels. This increase in calcium enhances the force of contraction, while the slowing effect is due to the prolongation of the action potential duration. Overall, digitalis helps to improve cardiac output and is commonly used in the treatment of heart failure and certain arrhythmias.

A diuretic is a drug that increases the production of urine by the kidneys, thereby eliminating excess fluid from the body. This helps to reduce fluid retention and can be used to treat conditions such as hypertension, edema, and congestive heart failure. Diuretics work by altering the filtration and reabsorption processes in the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. They are commonly prescribed medications and are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and injections.

A hypolipidemic agent refers to a drug that is used to lower serum cholesterol levels in the body. These agents work by either decreasing the production of cholesterol in the liver or by increasing the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream. By reducing cholesterol levels, hypolipidemic agents help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the term "Hypolipidemic Agent" accurately describes a drug that lowers serum cholesterol.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is commonly used intravenously to treat cardiac arrhythmias. It works by blocking the sodium channels in the heart, which helps to stabilize the electrical activity and restore a normal heart rhythm. By administering lidocaine intravenously, it quickly reaches the bloodstream and can effectively control and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. This makes lidocaine a suitable choice for treating cardiac arrhythmias in emergency situations or during medical procedures.

A loop diuretic is a type of drug that increases urine output by inhibiting electrolyte reabsorption in the kidney nephrons. Loop diuretics work by blocking the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, which prevents the reabsorption of these electrolytes. This leads to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water in the urine, resulting in diuresis. Loop diuretics are commonly used to treat conditions such as edema and hypertension.

Nitroglycerin is a drug commonly used in the treatment of angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It works by dilating the coronary vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart muscle and relieves angina symptoms. By dilating the coronary vessels, nitroglycerin helps to improve oxygen supply to the heart, reducing the workload on the heart and relieving chest pain. Therefore, nitroglycerin is an effective medication for managing angina pectoris.

Statins are a class of drugs that are commonly used to lower lipid levels in the blood. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis. By blocking this enzyme, statins reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver, leading to a decrease in blood lipid levels. This can be beneficial in managing conditions such as high cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, statins are considered drugs that act to lower lipids in the blood.

Streptokinase is an enzyme that is used to dissolve blood clots. It works by activating plasminogen, which then converts to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, the protein responsible for clot formation. This process helps to restore blood flow in cases of thrombotic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis or myocardial infarction. Streptokinase is an effective and widely used treatment option for clot dissolution, and its mechanism of action makes it a valuable tool in managing clot-related conditions.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) is a drug used to dissolve blood clots. It works by activating the production of plasmin, a substance naturally found in the blood that is responsible for dissolving clots. TPA helps to break down the fibrin meshwork of the clot, allowing blood flow to be restored in the affected area. This medication is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, where the prompt dissolution of blood clots is crucial to prevent further damage.

A vasodilator is a drug that widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, allowing them to dilate and increase in diameter. This dilation reduces resistance to blood flow, leading to improved circulation. Vasodilators are commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure. They can help lower blood pressure, relieve chest pain, and increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. Overall, vasodilators play a crucial role in improving blood flow and promoting cardiovascular health.