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INTRO:
Cardiovascular and renal medications are drugs that affect the
heart and blood vessels or the kidneys and urinary system. They
are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, heart failure,
arrhythmias, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Some examples
of these medications are glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists
(GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors
(SGLT2i), which have shown to reduce cardiovascular and renal
outcomes in patients with diabetes. Nurses need to assess the
blood pressure and heart rate of patients before administering
these medications, as well as monitor for adverse effects and
provide patient education.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS/DRUG CLASSES
1. Positive Inotropic drugs
o Digoxin (Glycoside) &Dopamine (Sympathomimetic)
- These strengthen the force of the heartbeat.
2. Antiarrhythmic drugs
o Amiodarone & Adenosine
- Used to treat abnormal rhythms of the heart, such as atrial fibrillation,
atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.
- Blocks the membrane sodium, potassium, and calcium channels
3. Antianginal drugs
o Nitroglycerin (Nitrates)
- These relax smooth muscle within the blood vessels, widening them
and making it easier for blood and oxygen to reach the heart
o Nifedipine &Verapamil (Calcium blockers)
- These prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the
heart and relax and open up the narrowed blood vessels, which reduces
heart rate and lower blood pressure.
o Propranolol & Metoprolol (Beta blockers)
- These reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's
output of blood, which lowers blood pressure by slowing the heart.
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