9.1: Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Cardiovascular diseases, encompassing a range of conditions, can significantly affect the heart's operations and the overall circulatory system. These conditions impair the heart's ability to pump blood, leading to a deficit in oxygen supply to crucial organs. Anomalies in the heart's electrical system, known as arrhythmias, can cause heartbeats to accelerate or slow down. Usually, heart rates increase during physical activity and decrease while resting or sleeping. However, frequent irregular rhythms can indicate inadequate blood flow and, if left untreated, may lead to extreme outcomes, including sudden cardiac arrest.
Additionally, diseases can impact the arteries, veins, and capillaries. One such disease is atherosclerosis, where plaque accumulation in arterial walls causes them to narrow and harden, potentially triggering a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension, another cardiovascular disease, puts excessive strain on the vascular system, damaging the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Angina, characterized by chest pain, occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the cardiac muscle caused by constricted or blocked coronary arteries. Thromboembolic disorders, such as pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, involve the formation of unwanted clots in blood vessels, obstructing them.
Various cardiovascular drugs have been developed to combat these disorders, each classified based on their intended therapeutic outcomes. Broadly, cardiovascular drugs can be grouped into four major categories: anticoagulants, antiarrhythmic agents, antihypertensive agents, and vasodilators or vasoconstrictors. Each plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health and managing chronic heart conditions.
