Question

Frank- has high blood pressure. Blood pressure is affected by heart rate (higher heart rate increases pressure), vasomotor tone (more vasoconstriction increases pressure), and blood volume (we will not consider this factor in this question)

Of the pharmaceutical (medication/drug) types listed below, which is/are most likely to help Frank reduce his blood pressure? For each, EXPLAIN HOW the drug would either help or harm Frank.

• A drug that blocks beta-1 receptors
• A drug that activates beta-2 receptors
• A drug that activates alpha-1 receptors
• A drug that blocks alpha-1 receptors
• A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors
• A drug that activates muscarinic receptors

Answer 1

Beta-1 selective blockers are a subclass of beta blockers that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Drugs in this class include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nebivolol (Bystolic) and bisoprolol (Zebeta, Monocor). So beta 1 is helpful

beta-2 receptors are blocked then this leads to coronary and peripheral vasoconstriction so it is helpful as when activation occur . So beta 2 receptor activation will lead to vasodilation

Actions of the α1 receptor mainly involve smooth muscle contraction. It causes vasoconstriction in many blood vessels, including those of the skin, gastrointestinal system, kidney (renal artery) and brain. Other areas of smooth muscle contraction are: ureter.

So it is not helpful

Alpha 1 receptor blocker is effective and as it will cause vasodilation

Blocking muscarinic receptor increase blood pressure by increasing heart rate. So not effective

Activation of muscarinic receptor will cause reduction in heart rate so is effective