Part 7: Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Drugs for Heart and Vascular Disease

Cardiovascular drugs are among the most prescribed medications worldwide. They treat hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, angina, and thromboembolic disorders. Understanding their mechanisms is essential for managing the leading cause of death globally.

Topics in This Part

7.1 Antihypertensives

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, diuretics, ฮฒ-blockers

7.2 Antiarrhythmics

Vaughan-Williams classification, Na+/K+/Ca2+ channel blockers

7.3 Heart Failure Drugs

Digoxin, ARNI, ฮฒ-blockers, diuretics, SGLT2 inhibitors

7.4 Antianginals

Nitrates, CCBs, ฮฒ-blockers, ranolazine

7.5 Anticoagulants

Heparin, warfarin, DOACs, antiplatelets, fibrinolytics

7.6 Lipid-Lowering Agents

Statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates

Antiarrhythmic Classes

ClassMechanismExamples
Class INa+ channel blockLidocaine, flecainide
Class IIฮฒ-blockadeMetoprolol, esmolol
Class IIIK+ channel blockAmiodarone, sotalol
Class IVCa2+ channel blockVerapamil, diltiazem
โ† Part 6: CNS Pharmacology7.1 Antihypertensives โ†’