CARDIO Pharmacology – 2025/2026 | 200+ Questions with Verified Answers | Anti-HTN Drugs, Lipid-Lowering Agents, Diuretics, Antiarrhythmics

This document presents over 200 meticulously organized Q&A-style pharmacology questions and 100% verified answers, focused on cardiovascular drugs, tailored for the 2025/2026 academic year. It is a complete resource for mastering cardiac and vascular pharmacology, with a focus on drug mechanisms, clinical indications, side effects, and contraindications—frequently tested on USMLE Step 1/2, COMLEX, NBME exams, and in pharmacology blocks. Structured in a rapid-review format, the content spans all major drug classes used in cardiovascular medicine and is annotated with helpful mnemonics, clinical pearls, and board-style clues. Key topics and drug classes include: – RAAS inhibitors: ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril, lisinopril), ARBs (e.g. losartan, valsartan), contraindications in pregnancy, and class-specific side effects like dry cough and angioedema – Beta-blockers: Generations 1–3, cardioselectivity, clinical uses in hypertension, arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, and post-MI management – Diuretics: Loop (furosemide), thiazide (hydrochlorothiazide), potassium-sparing (spironolactone, amiloride), mechanism of action and electrolyte disturbances – Calcium Channel Blockers: Dihydropyridines (nifedipine, amlodipine) vs. non-dihydropyridines (verapamil, diltiazem), indications and reflex tachycardia – Lipid-lowering drugs: Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors, niacin—along with metabolism pathways and adverse effects – Antianginals and vasodilators: Nitrates, hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, ranolazine – Antiarrhythmics (Classes I–IV): Na⁺ channel blockers (procainamide, lidocaine, flecainide), beta-blockers, K⁺ channel blockers (amiodarone, sotalol), Ca²⁺ channel blockers, adenosine, atropine – Heart failure therapies: Digoxin, milrinone, dopamine, dobutamine, Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), and SGLT2 inhibitors – Endocarditis and cardiac infections: Empiric treatments including gentamicin, vancomycin, and rifampin, with antibiotic class mechanisms and resistance Ideal for: – Medical students (MD, DO, OMS) preparing for pharmacology or organ systems exams – Students studying for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, or COMLEX Level 1/2 – Nursing, PA, and pharmacy students mastering cardiac pharmacotherapy – Tutors and instructors looking for well-organized, board-aligned pharmacology content Each question is paired with a concise, high-yield answer—designed to reinforce foundational knowledge and clinical pharmacology integration. Keywords: cardiovascular pharmacology, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, loop diuretics, thiazides, statins, nitrates, antiarrhythmics, digoxin, milrinone, SGLT2 inhibitors, Entresto, lipid-lowering drugs, hypertensive drugs, cardiac drugs, USMLE Step 1, COMLEX, NBME pharm