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Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Cardiovascular pharmacology is the study of how we manipulate pressure, flow, volume, and electrical conduction to improve outcomes.
This section is organized into progressive modules.
Each module builds on the previous one — from physiology → mechanisms → disease states → clinical decision-making.
Module 1: Foundations of Hemodynamics
Before treating disease, you must understand pressure and flow.
Core equations: MAP = CO × SVR CO = HR × SV
This module covers: • Blood flow as a circuit • Preload, afterload, and contractility • Short-term regulation (baroreceptors) • Long-term regulation (RAAS and kidney control)
→ Go to Module 1: Hemodynamic Foundations
Module 2: Lipids & Vascular Disease
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular process.
This module focuses on: • LDL physiology • Plaque formation • Statins and outcome data • Non-statin lipid therapies • Risk reduction strategies
→ Go to Module 2: Antilipemics
Module 3: Volume & Sodium Handling
Blood pressure and heart failure are heavily influenced by volume status.
This module covers: • Nephron physiology • Diuretic classes • Electrolyte effects • Clinical volume management
Module 4: Hypertension
Hypertension results from increased cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, or both.
This module integrates: • RAAS blockade • Calcium channel blockers • Beta blockers • Direct vasodilators • Guideline-directed therapy
→ Go to Module 4: Hypertension
Module 5: Ischemic Heart Disease & Angina
Angina is a mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand.
This module covers: • Determinants of oxygen demand • Nitrates • Beta blockers • Calcium channel blockers • Acute vs chronic management
→ Go to Module 5: Anti-Anginal Therapy
Module 6: Heart Failure
Heart failure is a state of impaired forward flow and maladaptive neurohormonal activation.
This module focuses on: • HFrEF vs HFpEF • Preload and afterload reduction • RAAS inhibition • Beta blockade • Mortality-reducing therapy (GDMT)
→ Go to Module 6: Heart Failure
Module 7: Cardiac Electrophysiology & Dysrhythmias
Electrical instability leads to abnormal automaticity and conduction.
This module includes: • Cardiac action potentials • Vaughan-Williams classification • Rate vs rhythm control • Proarrhythmic risks
→ Go to Module 7: Dysrhythmias
Cardiovascular Drug Reference
Anti-Anginal Drugs
*Nitrates* • Nitroglycerin • Isosorbide Dinitrate
*Calcium Channel Blockers* • Amlodipine • Diltiazem • Verapamil
*Beta Blockers* • Metoprolol • Atenolol • Propranolol
*Other Antianginals* • Ranolazine
Heart Failure Drugs
*RAAS Modulators* • ACE Inhibitors • ARBs • Sacubitril/Valsartan
*Evidence-Based Beta Blockers* • Bisoprolol • Carvedilol • Metoprolol Succinate
*MRAs* • Spironolactone • Eplerenone
*SGLT2 Inhibitors* • Empagliflozin • Dapagliflozin
*Diuretics* • Furosemide • Torsemide • Chlorthalidone • Hydrochlorothiazide
Hypolipidemics
*Statins* • Atorvastatin • Rosuvastatin • Simvastatin • Pravastatin • Lovastatin • Fluvastatin • Pitavastatin
*Other Lipid Agents* • Ezetimibe • Alirocumab • Evolocumab • Inclisiran • Cholestyramine • Colesevelam • Gemfibrozil • Niacin • Icosapent Ethyl
Antiarrhythmics
*Class I* • Quinidine • Procainamide • Lidocaine • Propafenone
*Class II* • Propranolol • Metoprolol
*Class III* • Amiodarone • Dronedarone • Dofetilide • Sotalol