Cardiac Pharmacology and Diagnostics

From the study guide

Cardiac Medications, Diagnostics, and Clinical Concepts Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

  • Nitroglycerin: Vasodilator for angina relief, sublingual route. Aspirin (ASA): Antiplatelet, prevents clot growth in MI.
  • Thrombolytics (tPA): Dissolve clots, must be administered within 3-4.5 hours of stroke.
  • Anticoagulants: Warfarin (INR 2-3), HeparinaPTT), prevent stroke/DVT/PE.
  • Statins: Lower LDL cholesterol, reduce atherosclerosis risk.
  • EKG: ST elevation indicates STEMI; T wave inversions suggest ischemia.
  • Lung sounds: Crackles (fluid), wheezes (narrowed airways), rhonchi, stridor.
  • Hypertension stages: Normal (<120/80), Elevated (120-129/<80), Stage 1 (130-139/80-89), Stage 2 (≥140/90).
  • Pulse points: Radial, carotid, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial.
  • Cardiac emergency drugs: Nitroglycerin, aspirin, thrombolytics, epinephrine, atropine.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

  • Coronary arteries — supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Myocardium — heart muscle tissue responsible for contraction.
  • Valves (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, pulmonary) — regulate blood flow direction.
  • Conduction system — SA node, AV node, bundle of His, Purkinje fibers.
  • EKG leads — record electrical activity from different heart regions.
  • Pulse points — accessible sites for assessing circulation.

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Practice quiz preview

1. What is the primary purpose of nitroglycerin in cardiac emergencies?

2. Which medication is most appropriate for preventing clot growth in the early stages of a myocardial infarction?

3. In EKG interpretation, what does ST elevation typically indicate?

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Flashcard preview

Nitroglycerin — role?

Vasodilator, relieves angina.

Aspirin — dose?

160-325 mg, inhibits platelet aggregation.

tPA — time window?

Administer within 3-4.5 hours of stroke.

Nitroglycerin — role?

Vasodilator for angina relief.

Aspirin (ASA) — role?

Antiplatelet, prevents clot growth.

tPA — action?

Dissolves clots, time-sensitive.

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