Blood Pressure Medications: Quick and Easy Guide

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Mike
• Goal: Simple method to remember blood pressure medications using A, B, C, and D.

Categories of Antihypertensive Medications

• A: Angiotensin-related medications

  • ACE Inhibitors
    • Ends in "pril"
  • Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
    • Ends in "sartin"

• B: Beta Blockers

  • Ends in "lol"

• C: Calcium Channel Blockers

  • Also known as long-lasting calcium channel blockers
  • Ends in "dipine"

• D: Diuretics

  • Specifically thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics
  • Ends in "thiazide" (but some may not follow this pattern)

How Antihypertensive Medications Work

• Blood Pressure Equation

  • Blood Pressure = Cardiac Output x Systemic Vascular Resistance (Total Peripheral Resistance)
  • Cardiac Output = Heart Rate x Stroke Volume
  • Systemic Vascular Resistance = Diameter of blood vessels

• Mechanisms of Action

  • ACE Inhibitors

    • Stop production of Angiotensin II
    • Prevents vasoconstriction (impacts systemic vascular resistance)
    • Stops increase in blood volume (impacts stroke volume)

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

    • Similar effects to ACE Inhibitors

  • Beta Blockers

    • Reduce heart rate

  • Calcium Channel Blockers

    • Reduce force of heart contraction (impacts stroke volume)

  • Diuretics

    • Reduce circulating fluid volume (impacts stroke volume)

Conclusion

• All antihypertensive medications affect components of the blood pressure equation
• Aim to lower blood pressure effectively
• Method provides a structured way to remember medication types and their functions.