NUR 600 Module 3 Discussion Drug Therapy & Treatments for Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders Drug Therapy & Treatments for Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders Describe the goals of drug therapy for hypertension and the different antihypertensive treatments.
Antihypertensive medication aims to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and death linked to high blood pressure by focusing on reducing blood pressure and managing other cardiovascular risk factors. According to Verdecchia et al. (2022), the ideal blood pressure range is systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80. The therapy of hypertension includes many categories of antihypertensive drugs, with the most often suggested first categories being angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), thiazide-type diuretics, and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Thiazide diuretics are the primary therapy for hypertension, while chlorthalidone is the preferred option for elderly individuals with osteoporosis. Calcium channel blockers are suggested for all individuals with hypertension except those with chronic renal disease. Dihydropyridines are more effective as vasodilators and are mostly used in the treatment of hypertension. For patients with cardiac failure and prolonged renal illness, ACE inhibitors, along with ARBs, are the recommended antihypertensive drugs. Both groups have similar therapeutic indications and efficacy. As a first line of therapy for hypertension, beta-blockers cannot be utilized until there is a clear sign of heart failure or myocardial infarction.
Describe types of arrhythmias and their treatment.
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats resulting from aberrant electrical impulses. They might manifest in the atria or ventricles. Common types of heart rhythm abnormalities include bradycardia (resting heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute), tachycardia (heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute), and supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (Stavrakis et al., 2020). Ventricular arrhythmias originating in the ventricles may be hazardous and need prompt medical attention. Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid and consistent contraction of the ventricles that may last for a short period or an extended duration. Prolonged duration may result in severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, leading to cardiac arrest and death in a matter of minutes.
Treatments for arrhythmias include medications, surgical interventions, and other techniques aimed at regulating cardiac rhythms. It is crucial to implement healthy lifestyle modifications and seek medical advice if symptoms deteriorate to avoid exacerbating arrhythmias. Typical treatments consist of atropine for bradycardia, adenosine for tachycardia, beta-blockers for fatigue, calcium channel blockers for gastrointestinal problems, digoxin for atrial fibrillation, potassium channel blockers for hypotension, and sodium channel blockers for sudden cardiac arrest (Stavrakis et al., 2020). Treatments such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and pacemakers may be required if medications are ineffective. Treatments may restore normal cardiac rhythms and prevent or repair arrhythmias.
Discuss Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent heart condition characterized by irregular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers, leading to fast and irregular heartbeats. This arrhythmia may be paroxysmal or chronic, resulting in turbulent blood flow and an elevated risk of blood clot development, potentially leading to a stroke. Advanced age, high blood pressure, underlying respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, congenital heart abnormalities, and excessive alcohol use are risk factors. The symptoms include chest discomfort, palpitations, tachycardia, dyspnea, nausea, disorientation, diaphoresis, and weariness. Treatment options include anticoagulation, rhythm, rate control drugs, cardioversion, ablation, and other cardiac interventional therapies. According to current guidelines, individuals with atrial fibrillation with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of two or above should take oral anticoagulants (Chung et al., 2020). Except for those with moderate to serious mitral stenosis and artificial heart valves, non-vitamin K anticoagulants taken orally are favored over warfarin. Individuals with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores should not use aspirin. Percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at high risk of stroke.
Discuss types of anemia, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Anemia is characterized by a decrease in the proportion of red blood cells, often indicative of an underlying medical condition. The symptoms of anemia can be influenced by various factors, such as its cause, how quickly it develops, and other existing health conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. The primary etiological factor of anemia is erythropoietin (EPO), a renal