Which mnemonic can be used to recall the categories of antihypertensives?

Which mnemonic can be used to recall the categories of antihypertensives?

• A. A - ABCD - Ace Inhibitors, Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Diuretics
• B. B - TIPS - Thiazides, Insulin, Potassium-sparing, Statins
• C. C - WAVE - Warfarin, Aspirin, Vitamin K, Enoxaparin
• D. D - LACE - Lithium, Anticonvulsants, Corticosteroids, Estrogens

Answer: (A)

The first mnemonic, "ABCD - Ace Inhibitors, Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Diuretics," effectively categorizes the main classes of antihypertensive medications. Each letter corresponds to a specific class that plays a vital role in lowering blood pressure. - **A** represents Ace Inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. - **B** stands for Beta Blockers, which work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. - **C** refers to Calcium Channel Blockers, which prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lowered blood pressure and reduced heart workload. - **D** signifies Diuretics, often called "water pills," which help the kidneys remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, lowering blood pressure through reduced blood volume. This mnemonic is particularly useful for healthcare professionals and students as it succinctly encapsulates the fundamental classes of antihypertensive agents that are frequently used in clinical practice, supporting quick recall in various scenarios such as examinations or patient care.

The first mnemonic, "ABCD - Ace Inhibitors, Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Diuretics," effectively categorizes the main classes of antihypertensive medications. Each letter corresponds to a specific class that plays a vital role in lowering blood pressure.

• A represents Ace Inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.

• B stands for Beta Blockers, which work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

• C refers to Calcium Channel Blockers, which prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lowered blood pressure and reduced heart workload.

• D signifies Diuretics, often called "water pills," which help the kidneys remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, lowering blood pressure through reduced blood volume.

This mnemonic is particularly useful for healthcare professionals and students as it succinctly encapsulates the fundamental classes of antihypertensive agents that are frequently used in clinical practice, supporting quick recall in various scenarios such as examinations or patient care.