Anti-Hypertensive Medications Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Christine from Nurse in the Making
• Topic: Anti-Hypertensive Medications
• Objective: Understand different types of anti-hypertensive medications and their mechanisms
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What are Anti-Hypertensive Medications?

• Definition: Medications used to lower blood pressure
• Purpose: Manage chronic hypertension and decrease heart workload
• Mechanism: Different groups with varying actions but common goal to lower blood pressure

Memory Trick: As Easy as A B C D

• A: ACE Inhibitors
• B: Beta Blockers
• C: Calcium Channel Blockers
• D: Diuretics and Digoxin (covered separately)

ACE Inhibitors

• Full Name: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
• Mechanism: Inhibit conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
  • Prevents vasoconstriction
  • Stops aldosterone secretion, reducing water/sodium retention
• Suffix: -pril
  • Examples: Enalapril, Lisinopril, Captopril
• Side Effects (ACE):
  • A: Angioedema
  • C: Cough (dry)
  • E: Elevated potassium levels
• NCLEX Note: Angioedema and elevated potassium are dangerous; cough is common but not dangerous

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)

• Mechanism: Block Angiotensin II receptors
  • Prevents vasoconstriction
• Suffix: -sartan
  • Examples: Candesartan, Losartan, Valsartan
• Side Effects: Similar to ACE inhibitors but less risk of cough/angioedema

Beta Blockers

• Mechanism: Block Beta 1 receptors of the sympathetic nervous system
  • Decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and workload
• Suffix: -olol
  • Examples: Metoprolol, Propranolol, Carvedilol
• Side Effects (Bs):
  • Bradycardia
  • Breathing problems (bronchospasms)
  • Bad for acute heart failure patients
  • Blood sugar masking
  • Blood pressure lowered (risk of hypotension)

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Mechanism: Block calcium movement, reducing cardiac contractility
  • Decrease workload, increase oxygen supply, relax vessels
• Memory Trick: Very Nice Drugs
  • V: Verapamil
  • N: Nifedipine
  • D: Diltiazem

Nursing Considerations for Anti-Hypertensives

• Monitor:
  • Hypotension and orthostatic hypotension
  • Electrolyte levels (potassium, sodium)
  • Symptoms of angioedema
• Patient Education:
  • Slow position changes to avoid dizziness
  • Report symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, rapid heart rate
  • Do not abruptly stop medication (risk of rebound hypertension)
  • If stopping, medication should be tapered

Conclusion

• Memory Trick Recap: A (ACE Inhibitors and ARBs), B (Beta Blockers), C (Calcium Channel Blockers), D (Diuretics and Digoxin)
• Additional Resources: Pharmacology flashcards with 100+ medications
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Happy studying, future nurses! 🎓