Cardiovascular Pharmacology Concepts

Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.


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Clinical Disorders:

Angina

Arrhythmias

Edema

Heart Failure

Systemic Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension

Hypotension

Myocardial Infarction


Therapeutic Classes:

Antianginal

Antiarrhythmic

Antihypertensive

Cardioinhibitory

Cardiostimulatory

Diuretic
Pressor

Thrombolytic

Vasoconstrictor

Vasodilator


Mechanism Classes:

Click here to see list

 


Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, a textbook published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005)


 


Systemic Hypertension cont.

 

Hypertension Categories

According to the latest U.S. national guidelines (JNC 7 Report), the following categories of hypertension have been defined:

 
Classification Systolic
(mmHg)
Diastolic
(mmHg)
Normal* <120 <80
Prehypertension 120-139 80-89
Stage 1 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 >160 >100

*Arterial pressures less than 90/60 mmHg are considered hypotension, and therefore not normal.

 

It is important to note that a hypertensive state may defined as an abnormal elevation of either systolic or diastolic pressure. In past years, the diastolic value was emphasized in determining whether or not a person was hypertensive.  However, elevations in systolic pressure ("systolic hypertension") are also associated with increased incidence of coronary and cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke). Therefore, we now recognize that both systolic and diastolic pressure values are important to note.

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Causes of Hypertension

Revised 03/14/07

 


DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 2005-2008Ed  Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.