Cardiovascular Essentials for Medical Assistants-CV Pharmacologic Therapies Drug Tables

CV Pharmacologic Therapies Drug Tables

Pdf Summary

This document provides a review of common cardiovascular (CV) pharmacologic therapies, including information on the mechanism of action, contraindications, surveillance, and additional considerations for each medication.<br /><br />The first section focuses on lipid-lowering medications, particularly statins such as Lipitor and Crestor. These drugs work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase to decrease hepatic cholesterol content. They are contraindicated in patients with liver disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Surveillance includes monitoring lipid levels and liver function tests.<br /><br />Ezetimibe, which inhibits the intestinal uptake of cholesterol, can be used in conjunction with statins or on its own. It has similar contraindications and surveillance as statins.<br /><br />PCSK-9 inhibitors like Repatha increase LDL receptor activity, leading to a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. Surveillance involves monitoring lipid levels and checking for side effects such as flu-like symptoms and muscle pain.<br /><br />The next section discusses fenofibrate, which lowers triglycerides by reducing VLDL production and increasing triglyceride removal. It is contraindicated in patients with liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, or breastfeeding. Surveillance includes monitoring lipid levels and liver function tests.<br /><br />The following sections cover other CV medications, including ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., Losartan), beta blockers (e.g., Atenolol), diuretics (e.g., Furosemide), aspirin, clopidogrel, nitroglycerin, isosorbide, anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), and digoxin. Each medication's mechanism of action, contraindications, surveillance, and additional considerations are provided.<br /><br />Overall, this document provides a comprehensive review of common CV pharmacologic therapies and serves as a helpful resource for healthcare professionals involved in managing cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords

cardiovascular pharmacologic therapies

lipid-lowering medications

statins

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

ezetimibe

PCSK-9 inhibitors

fenofibrate

ACE inhibitors

ARBs

beta blockers