Antihypertensive Medications Lecture

Introduction

• Instructor: Christine from Nurse in the Making
• Topic: Antihypertensive Medications
• Objective: Understand types of antihypertensive drugs and their mechanisms
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Understanding Antihypertensives

• Definition: Medications to lower high blood pressure
• Goal: Manage chronic hypertension, reduce heart's workload
• Categories: Different groups with varied mechanisms

Memory Trick: A, B, C, D

A: ACE Inhibitors

• Full Name: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
• Action:
  • Inhibit conversion of Angiotensin 1 to Angiotensin 2
  • Prevent vessel constriction & decrease blood pressure
  • Inhibit aldosterone to prevent water and sodium retention
• Medication Suffix: -pril (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril, Captopril)
• Side Effects (Memory Trick: ACE):
  • A: Angioedema (swelling of lips, eyes, face)
  • C: Cough (dry cough, normal)
  • E: Elevated potassium levels (dangerous)

ARBs: Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers

• Action: Block receptors to prevent vessel constriction
• Medication Suffix: -sartan (e.g., Candesartan, Losartan)
• Comparison to ACE Inhibitors:
  • Similar action, less cough, and angioedema

B: Beta Blockers

• Action: Block Beta-1 receptor, reducing sympathetic nervous system effects
• Effects: Lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response
• Medication Suffix: -olol (e.g., Metoprolol, Propranolol)
• Side Effects (Memory Trick: Bs):
  • Bradycardia & heart blocks
  • Breathing problems (bronchospasms, avoid in asthma)
  • Bad for heart failure patients in acute settings
  • Blood sugar masking (masks hypoglycemia symptoms)
  • Blood pressure lowered (risk of hypotension)

C: Calcium Channel Blockers

• Action: Block calcium movement to relax heart contractions
• Effects: Decrease workload, increase oxygen supply
• Medications: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem

D: Diuretics and Digoxin

• Note: Covered in a separate video

Nursing Considerations

• Monitor: Hypotension, orthostatic hypotension
  • Educate patients to change positions slowly
• Electrolyte Levels: Monitor potassium and sodium
• Symptoms to Report: Muscle cramps, weakness, rapid heart rate
• Angioedema: Assess especially with ACE inhibitors
• Medication Compliance: Avoid sudden cessation to prevent rebound hypertension
  • Tapering: Gradual reduction recommended

Conclusion

• Use the memory trick "ABCD" for antihypertensive categories
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• Happy studying, future nurses!