Cardiovascular agents

Drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular Agents

Cardiovascular agents are a class of medications used to treat various conditions of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. These agents are essential in managing diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.

Types of Cardiovascular Agents

Cardiovascular agents can be broadly categorized into several classes, each with specific mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses.

Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives are drugs used to lower high blood pressure. They include several subclasses:

• Diuretics: These drugs help the body eliminate excess salt and water through the kidneys.

Kidney tubule or nephron

• Beta blockers: These reduce heart rate and the heart's output of blood.
• ACE inhibitors: They prevent the formation of a hormone that narrows blood vessels.
• Calcium channel blockers: These prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells, leading to lower blood pressure.

Antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmic agents are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. They work by modifying the electrical conduction in the heart.

Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents

These drugs prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in conditions like atrial fibrillation and after certain surgeries.

• Anticoagulants: Such as warfarin and heparin, they inhibit the clotting cascade.
• Antiplatelet drugs: Like aspirin, they prevent platelets from clumping together.

Thrombosis formation

Lipid-lowering Agents

These agents, including statins, are used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atheroma in the cardiovascular system

Vasodilators

Vasodilators relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow. They are used in conditions like angina and heart failure.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanisms by which cardiovascular agents work are diverse and depend on the specific class of drug. For example, diuretics act on the kidneys to increase urine output, while beta blockers reduce the effects of adrenaline on the heart.

Side Effects

Cardiovascular agents can have a range of side effects, which vary depending on the specific drug and patient factors. Common side effects include:

• Angioedema: Swelling beneath the skin, often associated with ACE inhibitors.

Angioedema

• Rhabdomyolysis: A serious condition involving muscle breakdown, sometimes associated with statins.

Rhabdomyolysis

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which can occur with certain medications.

Jaundice patient

Related Pages

• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Coronary artery disease
• Atherosclerosis