Medical Terminology Simplified

PHARMACOLOGY

The following table lists some common drug categories used to treat cardiovascular and lymph disorders, as well as
their therapeutic actions.

202 CHAPTER 5• Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

Drug Category Action

Cardiovascular System

anticoagulants

ăn-tĭ-kō-ĂG-ū-lănts

antiarrhythmics

ăn-tē-ă-RĬTH-mĭks

antihypertensives

ăn-tē-hī-pĕr-TĔN-sĭvs

beta blockers

diuretics

dī-ū-RĔT-ĭks

statins

STĂ-tĭnz

thrombolytics

thrŏm-bō-LĬT-ĭks

Lymphatic System

antivirals

an-tĭ-VĪ-rălz

immunosuppressants

ĭm-ū-nō-sū-PRĔSS-ănts

Prevent blood clot formation

Anticoagulants decrease the risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis and are also used postoper-

atively to prevent clot formation.

Counteract cardiac arrhythmias (dysrhythmias) by stabilizing the electrical conduction

system of the heart

Treat hypertension (high blood pressure)

Antihypertensives prevent complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and myocardial

infarctions. There are many classes of antihypertensives that lower blood pressure by different

means. Some of the most widely used include beta blockers, diuretics, and angiotensin-

converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Decrease heart rate and dilate arteries by blocking beta receptors

Beta blockers are used to treat angina, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Block sodium from being absorbed back into the blood

Diuretics reduce fluid buildup in the body, including fluid in the lungs, a common symptom of

heart failure, by increasing secretion of urine. They are commonly prescribed in treating hyper-

tension and heart failure.

Lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce its production in the liver by blocking the

enzyme that produces it

Dissolve blood clots and help prevent damage to the heart muscle; commonly called clot busters

Thrombolytics help manage stroke and may also stop a heart attack that would otherwise be deadly.

Inhibit development of specific viruses

Antivirals are used to treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Suppress the immune response to prevent organ rejection after transplantation or to slow

the progression of autoimmune disease

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t