SYSTEMIC DRUG THERAPY

SYSTEMIC DRUG THERAPY

There are many different types of systemic medication therapy: those that treat the entire body as a

whole, or those that target specific bodily systems, such as the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or

nervous systems. Additionally, the treatment of mental health issues is systemic.

The cardiovascular system

In the most prevalent form of arteriosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries, cholesterol deposits

form plaques in large and medium-sized arteries, narrowing the lumen and reducing blood flow. When

the coronary arteries (which supply blood to the heart muscle) become obstructed, this narrowing

reduces the artery's capacity to deliver oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Depending on the extent of injury, a

heart attack might occur, which leads in the loss of heart muscle. Lowering blood cholesterol,

particularly the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) component, can halt or even reverse the progression of

atherosclerosis. Exercise, a low-cholesterol diet, and a healthy weight can all help lower cholesterol

levels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is advantageous in that it aids in the removal of

dangerous cholesterol from the artery wall. Some medicines can enhance HDL cholesterol levels in the

blood, but avoiding smoking and increasing exercise are the most effective ways to raise the amount of

HDL cholesterol.

Angina can be caused by coronary artery narrowing, which reduces blood flow to the heart (angina

pectoris). A variety of medications, including nitroglycerin and beta blockers, can be used to treat this

disease.

Cardiotonic drugs have long been used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF). A positive inotropic

impact (affecting the force with which muscles contract) on the heart was first observed using digitalis, a

foxglove plant derivative. There are two ways to administer digoxin, the most frequent type of this drug.

Too much digitalis is poisonous and can cause cardiac arrhythmias, thus it has a narrow therapeutic

range. A patient's serum potassium levels are closely monitored since toxicity is exacerbated when the

patient's serum potassium levels are lower than normal.

In addition to decreasing the burden on the heart, drugs that dilate arterial smooth muscle and lower

peripheral resistance (vasodilators) help cure heart failure. Treatment for heart failure includes the use

of ACE inhibitors, vasodilators that suppress the angiotensin converting enzyme. Hypertensive patients

can also benefit from taking these medications.

Essential hypertension, or primary hypertension, is the most common kind of hypertension.

Approximately 5% of all hypertensive patients have secondary hypertension, which is high blood

pressure that is caused by a known underlying medical condition (e.g., kidney disease). While weight

loss, exercise, and a reduction in sodium intake are usually the first steps in treating hypertension, a

wide range of medications are available to help lower blood pressure, whether the systolic or diastolic

reading is too high. Traditionally, a single, well-tolerated medication, such as a diuretic, was the first

step in a stepped-care approach. If it doesn't work, a second drug is added and the combination is

tinkered with until the most successful regimen is discovered with the fewest adverse effects. In some

cases, a third medicine may be required for treatment.