Cardiac drugs: Difference between revisions
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====Angiotension II receptor agonists==== | ====Angiotension II receptor agonists==== | ||
Also known as ARBs | Also known as ARBs, they work in a very similar way to ACE inhibitors, but are don't cause a dry cough. In time, they may replace ACE inhibitors as the first line treatment. More on them [[ACE inhibitors|here]]. | ||
==Antiarrhythmics== | ==Antiarrhythmics== |
Revision as of 11:07, 23 May 2010
The heart is very useful, and cardiologists attempt to keep it that way. The drugs they use are below:
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors inhibit the action of the ACE enzyme, reducing blood pressure. Common ones are ramipril and perindopril. They are used the treat hypertension. See the ACE inhibitor page for more.
Angiotension II receptor agonists
Also known as ARBs, they work in a very similar way to ACE inhibitors, but are don't cause a dry cough. In time, they may replace ACE inhibitors as the first line treatment. More on them here.
Antiarrhythmics
There are a variety of antiarrhythmic drugs (possibly the hardest word to spell in the whole world).
The most well known are beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, however there are many more types. Visit the page on antiarrythmics to find out more about them.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers make the heart pump slower and less hard. Common ones are propanolol and atenolol. They are mainly used to prevention of MIs and deal with tachyarrhythmias. See the beta blockers page for more.
Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to control hypertension, by reducing the amount of fluid in the body. They are so sexy that they have their own page. Check it out!