ACEs
What do ACE inhibitors generic names all end with?
-pril
What do beta blockers generic names end with?
-lol
water pills
What do ARBs generic names all end with?
-sartan
What is blood pressure?
The amount of pressure on your artery walls from the force of your blood flow
What does "ACE" stand for?
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
How do calcium channel blockers work to lower blood pressure?
They block calcium channels in the cells of the heart and arteries which allows blood vessels to relax and slows heart rate.
What class of HBP meds is most commonly combined with other HBP meds for dual-therapy treatment?
diuretics
What does "ARB" stand for?
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
around 120/80
How do ACE inhibitors work to lower blood pressure?
They stop angiotensin II from being created by inhibiting the enzyme that turns angiotensin I into angiotensin II which relaxes blood vessels
Give an example of one of the calcium channel blockers you learned in this unit (brand or generic name or both)
Norvasc (amlodipine)
Procardia (nifedipine ER)
Cardizem (diltiazem)
Verelan, Calan (verapamil)
What is the recommended time of day to take diuretics? Why?
Morning, because it increases urinary frequency
How do ARBs work to lower blood pressure?
They block angiotensin II receptors which stops the chemical from constricting blood vessels.
What would lead to someone being diagnosed with hypertension?
consistently high blood pressure readings
What is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors that is not also reported by ARB users?
How do beta blockers work to lower blood pressure?
They make the heart beat slower and with less force by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the heart.
Name one other use for clonidine besides treating high blood pressure
ADHD, smoking cessation, treating tics from Tourette's syndrome, alcohol or opiate withdrawal, menopausal hot flashes, dysmenorrhea
What is the official name of the "ARB" class of medications?
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists
Name two risk factors for high blood pressure
older age, race/ethnicity, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high sodium diet, low potassium diet, high alcohol consumption, stress, some chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea)
What is the generic name of Altace?
ramipril
Which class of medication can be more effective in treating HBP in older adults and individuals of African descent?
calcium channel blockers
What are the 3 different types of diuretics? Name one medication (brand or generic) for each.
thiazide - hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
loop - furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Demadex)
potassium-sparing - spironolactone (Aldactone)
What is the generic name of Cozaar?
losartan
What do the two numbers in your blood pressure reading represent? Be specific!
Systolic and diastolic pressure - systole is when heart is contracting or squeezing blood out, diastole is when heart is relaxed and filling with blood