Cardiovascular Essentials for Medical Assistants-Slides: Cardiovascular Medicine – Common CV Medications, Indications and Mechanism of Action

Slides: Cardiovascular Medicine – Common CV Medications, Indications and Mechanism of Action

Pdf Summary

This document is a review of common cardiovascular (CV) pharmacologic therapies. It discusses therapy goals, lifestyle management considerations, and pharmacologic therapies for various CV conditions. It emphasizes the importance of medication history, the use of generic and brand names, asking questions, and involving patients in their treatment by having them bring in their pill bottles.<br /><br />The document further goes into detail about lipid management, hypertension management, antiplatelet medications, and anticoagulation medications. It provides information on the goals, pharmacologic therapies, mechanisms of action, contraindications, surveillance, and additional considerations for each category.<br /><br />For lipid management, the goals include increasing HDL, decreasing triglycerides, and lowering LDL cholesterol. Statins are the main medications used, along with options like ezetimibe therapy or PCSK9 inhibitors for add-on therapy. Fenofibrates are recommended for elevated triglycerides.<br /><br />In hypertension management, the goals are individualized based on comorbidities and risk factors. The different medication categories discussed include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, and diuretics. The mechanisms of action, contraindications, surveillance, and additional considerations for each category are provided.<br /><br />Antiplatelet medications aim to decrease the risk of blood clot formation and are often used after a stent placement. The document mentions aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor as common medications in this category. Nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate are discussed as medications for managing angina.<br /><br />Anticoagulation medications help prevent blood clot formation and stroke. Warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are mentioned in this category. The document highlights the need for close monitoring, special dosing, and surveillance for patients on these medications.<br /><br />For heart failure management, diuretics are used to decrease swelling and improve shortness of breath. Digoxin is mentioned for improving heart efficiency. Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors/ARBs are commonly used in heart failure management as well.<br /><br />In conclusion, the document highlights the importance of medication history, knowledge of medication names, and communication in ensuring proper CV pharmacologic therapy. It provides an overview of various medication categories and their considerations in managing CV conditions.

Keywords

cardiovascular pharmacologic therapies

lipid management

hypertension management

antiplatelet medications

anticoagulation medications

ACE inhibitors

beta blockers

diuretics

heart failure management

medication names