Cardiovascular Pharmacology

What this unit covers

The resources here follow the main drug groups used for the heart and circulation. Mind maps such as Pharmacology of Cardiovascular Disease lay out ACE inhibitors, diuretics, angiotensin II receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers side by side. Others, like CVS drugs, split the topic into anti-angina drugs, diuretics and drugs that change cardiac contractility.

Where to start

Begin with a broad map to see the whole picture. Cardiovascular Drugs groups medicines into anti-hypertensive, anti-anginal, anti-arrhythmic and cardiotonic drugs, and covers the treatment of congestive heart failure. Another map, Cardiovascular drugs, sorts them by effect on contraction force, heart rate and peripheral circulation.

Then move to one class at a time. Flashcard decks such as ACE Inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers and Antihyperlipidemic Drugs suit short, repeated sessions.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map, close it, then take a quiz on the same topic. The Antiarrhythmic Drugs quiz asks you to match each drug with its description. The Cardiovascular drugs Pharmacology quiz uses clinical questions, such as choosing an antihypertensive for a woman who wishes to become pregnant. The quiz Drugs for Heart Failure is a good check after the heart failure maps.

• Map first, to see how the classes relate.
• Quiz next, to spot what you cannot yet recall.
• Flashcards last, to drill the gaps.

Beyond the basics

Some resources reach into blood and clotting, including the decks Fibrinolytic drugs and Anti-coagulant drugs. Lipid-lowering material sits here too. Some listed resources mention ExCPT and USMLE, so professional candidates will find items to practise with.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand Cardiovascular, Renal and Blood Pharmacology within Pharmacology. Pick a topic that matches your next lecture, try a quiz, and then make your own maps or flashcards from what you find.