Antihypertensive Drugs

By Cardiologist on December 26th, 2011

Site of action of different classes of antihypertensive drugs

Antihypertensive drugs are directed against a variety of pharmacological targets in various cell types in different organs involved in blood pressure control. The most important targets in the brain, heart, vasculature (vascular smooth muscle cells), and the kidney (nephron) are shown. Some diuretics produce some direct vasodilation; # non-ACE, conversion of angiotensin I (Ang I) to angiotensin II (Ang II) may occur independent from ACE due to the activity of other enzymes in different tissues such as chymase in the heart; DCT, distal convoluted tubule; CCT, cortical collecting duct; TAL, thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle; (-), indicates inhibition. Modified according to reference 3.

Algorithm for the treatment of hypertension

Unless contraindicated; based on randomized controlled trials; Evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors can be duplicated with AT-1 antagonists (and probably vice versa). Thus, ACE inhibitors could be substituted by AT-1 antagonists in the case of troublesome side effects, such as cough under treatment with ACE inhibitors. Modified according to reference 5.

This post has been viewed 204 times.

Posts Related to Antihypertensive Drugs

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
Like the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system affects both cardiac output and peripheral resistance. Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidneys in response to underperfusion or stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system. Renin catalyzes the conversion of plasma angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (AI), which is then converted by angiotensin-converting enzyme to angiotensin II ...
Vasodilators
Pharmacological manipulation of afterload or systemic vascular resistance has become increasingly important in the management of pediatric cardiac patients, just as it has for adult cardiac patients. Specifically, the principal groups of pediatric patients with cardiovascular disease who may benefit from afterload reduction therapies include the following: 1. Patients with normal cardiac anatomy and myocardial ...
Antihypertensive drugs
Diuretics General pharmacology and mechanism of action The most commonly used diuretics include thiazides and related drugs, loop diuretics, and aldosterone receptor antagonists. Diuretics are agents that affect the kidney to increase urine formation. These agents are also called natriuretics because they increase the excretion of sodium. Evidence supports the hypothesis that an inability to ...
Anticoagulants
Effects of anticoagulants on the coagulation cascade Coumarin (Warfarin) and the vitamin K cycle Abbreviations: glu, glutamate; gla, y-carboxyglutamate. (Modified from [2], with permission from Chest.) Relative effects of UFH, LMWH, and fondaparinux on AT-mediated inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin (lla). AT-mediated inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin (lla). Whereas UFH catalyzes inhibition of ...
Natriuresis
The reabsorption of sodium — and hence water — in the kidneys increases blood volume, a problem that can be combated pharmacologically using diuretics, as shown in Figure 3. However, the body has its own regulatory system for controlling sodium and water balance. The process, known as natriuresis, involves the release of chemical mediators from ...

Categorized under: Drugs.
Tagged with: no tags.

Comments are closed.

High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

Hypertension Management