Cardiovascular Pharmacology
About this topic
Cardiovascular pharmacology is a major subject within systemic therapeutics for tertiary students in Zambian medical schools and colleges. This topic encompasses the pharmacology of drugs used to treat hypertension, heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, and hyperlipidemia. Key drug classes include calcium channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine), ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol), diuretics (frusemide, hydrochlorothiazide), antiarrhythmics (digoxin, amiodarone, lignocaine), and statins (simvastatin). The content is designed for university and diploma-level learners, focusing on mechanisms of action, clinical indications, contraindications (e.g., ACE inhibitors in pregnancy), adverse effects (e.g., reflex tachycardia with nifedipine), and drug interactions (e.g., drugs increasing digoxin toxicity). For Zambian students, mastery is essential for passing pharmacology examinations and for subsequent clinical management of common cardiovascular diseases. The topic integrates with physiology and pathology, promoting a holistic approach to patient care and career readiness in Zambia's healthcare system.
What you'll practise (5 questions)
- A patient after the intake of a drug presents coldness of the extremities (hands, feet). The drug(s) responsible could be:
- During treatment, a patient develops a drug induced dry cough. The drug possibly responsible for this cough is:
- Suppression of cardiac contractility and AV conduction is maximal with
- Which of these beta-adrenergic blockers is least likely to cause bronchospasm in a patient with bronchial asthma?
- Nitric oxide acts by
Answer each question above to see the correct answer and a full explanation.