Introduction/Overview The pharmacological modulation of cardiac contractility represents a cornerstone in the management of heart failure and certain arrhythmias. Drugs that increase the force of myocardial contraction, known as positive inotropic agents, have been utilized for centuries, with cardiac glycosides holding a particularly storied position in medical history. The therapeutic application of these agents requires … Read more
Introduction/Overview Angina pectoris, characterized by transient chest discomfort due to myocardial ischemia, represents a cardinal manifestation of coronary artery disease. The underlying pathophysiology involves an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Pharmacological management aims to correct this imbalance, alleviate symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The selection of … Read more
Introduction/Overview Anticoagulant drugs represent a cornerstone of modern pharmacotherapy for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. These agents function by inhibiting specific components of the coagulation cascade, thereby attenuating the formation of fibrin clots. The clinical management of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and acute coronary syndromes is heavily dependent on the … Read more
Introduction/Overview Anticoagulant drugs represent a cornerstone of modern pharmacotherapy for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. These agents function by inhibiting specific components of the coagulation cascade, thereby reducing the blood’s propensity to form pathological clots. The clinical significance of anticoagulation is substantial, given that thromboembolic diseases, including venous thromboembolism, stroke associated with atrial … Read more
Introduction/Overview The pharmacological modulation of cardiac contractility represents a cornerstone in the management of heart failure and certain arrhythmias. Agents that enhance the force of myocardial contraction, known as positive inotropes, have been utilized for centuries, with cardiac glycosides holding a particularly storied place in medical history. Despite the evolution of heart failure management towards … Read more
Introduction/Overview The pharmacological modulation of cardiac contractility represents a cornerstone in the management of heart failure and certain arrhythmias. Agents that increase the force of myocardial contraction, known as positive inotropes, have been utilized for centuries, with cardiac glycosides holding a particularly storied position in medical history. Despite the evolution of heart failure management towards … Read more
1. Introduction/Overview Hypertension represents a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. The pharmacological management of elevated blood pressure is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology and internal medicine. Antihypertensive pharmacotherapy aims to reduce the long-term complications associated with sustained high blood pressure, including stroke, myocardial … Read more
1. Introduction/Overview Hypertension represents a major global public health challenge, constituting a primary modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, and mortality. The pharmacological management of elevated blood pressure is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology and internal medicine. Antihypertensive pharmacotherapy aims to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality by achieving and maintaining blood pressure … Read more
Introduction/Overview Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, commonly termed beta blockers, constitute a cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for a spectrum of cardiovascular disorders. These agents competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous catecholamines—epinephrine and norepinephrine—to beta-adrenergic receptors, thereby attenuating sympathetic nervous system activity. The clinical introduction of propranolol in the 1960s marked a pivotal advancement in cardiovascular medicine, fundamentally altering … Read more
Introduction/Overview Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors represent a cornerstone class of therapeutic agents in cardiovascular and renal medicine. Their development followed the elucidation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a critical hormonal pathway regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis. By inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, these drugs produce … Read more