Tutorial - Pharmacologic Treatment of Arterial Hypotension

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Pathophysiology of Arterial (Systemic) Hypotension

1. What are normal values for arterial pressure?  click here
2. What is the definition of arterial hypotension?  click here
3. How do changes in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance influence arterial pressure?  click here
4. How do changes in blood volume affect arterial pressure?  click here
5. What can cause arterial hypotension?  click here

Drugs for Treating Arterial Hypotension

1. What is the rationale for increasing blood volume, stimulating the heart, and constricting the systemic vasculature in the treatment of arterial hypotension?  click here
2. What are pressor drugs?  click here
3. What are sympathomimetic drugs and how are they used in the treatment of arterial hypotension?  click here
4. Why are sympathomimetic drugs contraindicated in patients having coronary artery disease?  click here
5. What signal transduction pathways are activated for the following sympathomimetic receptor agonists, and how do these drugs increase arterial pressure?
   • alpha-adrenoceptor agonists
   • beta-adrenoceptor agonists
6. How are vasopressin analogs used in the treatment of hypotension associated with hypovolemic, cardiogenic and septic shock?  click here
7. What is the mechanism of action of vasopressin analogs?  click here

Revised 08/29/06