Anti-Hypertensive Medications

Introduction

• Presenter: Christine from Nurse in the Making
• Content: Overview of anti-hypertensive medications
• Purpose: Lower blood pressure, manage chronic hypertension, decrease heart workload

Understanding Anti-Hypertensives

• Definition: Medications that lower high blood pressure
• Mechanism: Different groups with varying mechanisms but same goal - lower blood pressure

Mnemonic: As Easy as A B C D

A: ACE Inhibitors

• Function: Inhibit Angiotensin converting enzyme
  • Prevent conversion from Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
  • Keep vessels dilated, lower blood pressure
  • Prevent aldosterone secretion (retains water & sodium)
• Medication Suffix: -pril (e.g., enalapril, lacinopril, captopril)
• Side Effects (ACE):
  • A: Angioedema (dangerous swelling of lips, eyes, face)
  • C: Cough (dry, common, not dangerous)
  • E: Elevated potassium levels (dangerous)

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)

• Function: Block Angiotensin II receptors
  • Prevent vessels constriction
• Medication Suffix: -sartan (e.g., candesartan, losartan, valsartan)
• Notes:
  • Similar side effects as ACE inhibitors
  • Less likelihood of cough or angioedema

B: Beta Blockers

• Function: Block beta 1 receptors
  • Reduce sympathetic nervous system effects
  • Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Medication Suffix: -olol (e.g., metoprolol, propanolol, carvedilol)
• Side Effects (Bs):
  • Bradycardia and heart blocks
  • Breathing problems (bronchospasms)
  • Bad for acute heart failure
  • Blood sugar masking (hypoglycemia symptoms hidden)
  • Blood pressure lowered (risk of hypotension)

C: Calcium Channel Blockers

• Function: Block calcium movement, relax heart contraction
  • Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Medication Mnemonic: Very Nice Drugs
  • V: Verapamil
  • N: Nifedipine
  • D: Diltiazem

D: Diuretics and Digoxin

• Note: Covered in a different video

Nursing Considerations

• Monitor for:
  • Hypotension and orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon position change)
  • Electrolyte levels: potassium and sodium
• Patient Education:
  • Report muscle cramps, weakness, rapid heart rate
  • Assess for angioedema (especially with ACE inhibitors)
  • Do not stop medication suddenly to avoid rebound hypertension
  • Taper off medication (prevent sudden blood pressure increase)

Conclusion

• Summary: Antihypertensive medications categorized by mnemonic A B C D
• Additional Resources: NCLEX pharmacology flashcards available
• Call to Action: Subscribe for more nursing resources and videos