Medications
This antiplatelet drug is commonly used after a heart attack to reduce the risk of future clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Aspirin
A patient recovering from a myocardial infarction presents with a blood pressure of 102/55 mmHg. Considering post-MI physiology and common pharmacological interventions, what are the likely causes of this hypotension?
Low cardiac output or medication adverse effect (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors).
Paramedics instruct a patient with suspected myocardial infarction to chew, rather than swallow, an aspirin tablet. What is the clinical reason for this route of administration?
Chewing speeds up absorption, providing a faster antiplatelet effect during an acute MI.
A coronary artery becomes blocked, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle. This leads to tissue damage and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other serious symptoms.
Myocardial infarction
This cardio-selective beta blocker is preferred over non-selective options in patients with asthma, because it targets β1 receptors and avoids bronchoconstriction.
Metoprolol
During cardiac auscultation, the nurse notes that “S1 and S2 are present.” What does this finding indicate about the patient’s heart sounds and valve function?
Normal heart sounds
What food should be avoided with Atorvastatin?
Grapefruit
How does left ventricular (LV) dysfunction affect the heart’s ability to pump blood and maintain circulation?
It makes the heart pump less effectively.
This loop diuretic acts on loop of Henle, promoting diuresis and reducing preload in patients with heart failure
Frusemide
In a cardiac assessment, what might a delayed capillary refill suggest about the patient’s circulatory status?
poor cardiac output
A patient has been prescribed GTN to take as needed (PRN) for chest pain. How would you explain the purpose and action of this medication to him in simple terms?
GTN helps chest pain by opening heart arteries and improving blood flow.
This drug class used in heart failure works by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme, leading to vasodilation, reduced preload and afterload, improved cardiac output, and prevention of ventricular remodeling.
ACE inhibitors
This chemical is released when glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is metabolised, leading to vasodilation and relief from angina.
Nitric oxide
What is rare but potentially life threatening condition that can be caused by statins?
Rhabdomyolysis
What enzyme does atorvastatin inhibit?
HMG-COA reductase inhibitor
By what mechanism does metoprolol reduce myocardial oxygen demand in patients with conditions like angina or heart failure?
It decreases heart rate and contractility