Patient was educated on Terazosin and its mechanism of action as follows:
- Terazosin inhibits the action of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) on the Alpha-1 receptors of the blood vessels (both arteries and veins).
- Action of catecholamines on Alpha-1 receptors result in constriction of arteries and veins. Inhibition of the catecholamine action on these receptors result in relaxation and dilation of arteries and veins.
- Dilation of arteries results in decreased resistance for the heart, pumping blood into the arterial system. So, more amount of blood can be pumped by the heart with reduced effort. Reduced resistance in the arteries will lead to reduced blood pressure.
- Dilation of veins results in increased capacitance, where by, the veins can accommodate more blood volume. This reduces the blood return to the heart. The reduced volume of blood return to the heart can be pumped by the heart with reduced effort.
- Terazosin, by reducing the resistance offered by the arteries and increasing the capacitance of veins, contributes towards reducing the workload on the heart.
- These factors help an individual in cardiac failure to pump optimal amount of blood with reduced effort. Also, they help a heart function optimally at reduced blood and oxygen supply.
- So, Terazosin can be used to manage individuals with hypertension and cardiac failure. By reducing the cardiac workload, Terazosin can help prevent angina attacks.
