Introduction

Figure 18.1 The heart is the primary organ of the cardiovascular system, controlling circulation and blood flow for the entire body. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

Chapter Outline

18.1 Hypertension and Angina

18.2 Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

18.3 Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

18.4 Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

18.5 Calcium Channel Blockers

18.6 Diuretics

18.7 Nitrates

Hypertension, a common health condition, increases a person’s risk for myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, renal disease, and stroke. Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Antihypertensive drugs are used to treat hypertension. Antianginal drugs, such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers, are commonly used to treat angina. This chapter will explore hypertension and angina, and the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for these disease processes.