Antihypertensives & Anesthesia: The Meds That Love to Mess with Your Hemodynamics with Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA

<p>Antihypertensive medications don’t have to feel overwhelming or memorization-heavy. In this solo lecture, <strong>Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA</strong> breaks down <strong>antihypertensive pharmacology</strong> through physiology, mechanisms of action, and real-world anesthesia implications - exactly what <strong>SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers</strong> need for boards and the operating room.</p><p>This episode walks through the <strong>major classes of antihypertensives</strong>, focusing on <em>how</em> each drug lowers blood pressure rather than relying on disconnected lists. You’ll learn how antihypertensives interact with <strong>preload, afterload, heart rate, contractility, and systemic vascular resistance</strong>, and why those effects matter during induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia.</p><p>Key topics covered include:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Beta blockers</strong> (β₁ vs β₂ effects, perioperative continuation, blunted sympathetic response)</p></li><li><p><strong>ACE inhibitors (ACE-Is) &amp; ARBs</strong>: RAAS physiology, vasodilation, and refractory hypotension</p></li><li><p><strong>Calcium channel blockers</strong> (DHP vs non-DHP): vascular vs nodal effects</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Alpha agonists and antagonists</strong></p></li><li><p>How antihypertensives alter <strong>MAP, CO, SVR, and reflex tachycardia</strong></p></li><li><p>Why certain antihypertensives increase the risk of <strong>induction hypotension</strong></p></li><li><p>What to hold, continue, or anticipate on the <strong>day of surgery</strong></p></li></ul><p>Throughout the episode, complex pharmacology is tied directly to:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Hemodynamic management in anesthesia</strong></p></li><li><p>Common board scenarios and NBCRNA-style reasoning</p></li><li><p>Vasopressor choice and response</p></li><li><p>Drug interactions with <strong>propofol, volatile agents, opioids, and neuraxial anesthesia</strong></p></li></ul><p>This lecture emphasizes <strong>understanding over memorization</strong>, helping anesthesia learners build a framework they can use in high-stakes clinical moments - not just exam day.</p><p>🎧 <em>Antihypertensives explained for anesthesia learners - fewer flashcards, more confidence, safer patients.</em></p>