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Home> Publications > QUEST >QUEST Vol 6 No 2 April 1999

THE HEART IS A MUSCLE, TOO
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiac Problems in Neuromuscular Disease

by Margaret Wahl

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MEDICATIONS USED FOR HEART FAILURE

TYPE OF MEDICATION	HOW IT WORKS	EXAMPLE(S); GENERIC (BRAND NAME)
ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitor	Blocks actions of ACE, a molecule that normally leads to fluid retention and raised blood pressure through activating the chemical angiotensin	fosinopril (Monopril); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Vasodilator	Dilates veins, reducing amount of blood returning to the heart as it relaxes between beats	isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN)
Loop Diuretic	Increases urine output by acting on kidneys (in part of kidney known as loop of Henle); reduces fluid overload	furosemide (Lasix)
Potassium-Sparing Diuretic	Acts on kidneys to increase urine production and reduce fluid overload; decrease excretion of potassium, counteracting excess potassium loss caused by some other diuretics	spironolactone (Aldactone); triamterene (Dyrenium)
Beta Blocker	Reduces heart rate, force of heart's contractions and speed of nerve impulses through heart by blocking beta receptors (docking sites) that receive signals from nervous system	propranalol (Inderal); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Alpha-Beta Blocker	Same as beta blockers but also blocks alpha receptors (docking sites), stopping nerve signals that constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure	carvedilol (Coreg)
Inotrope (Influencer of Muscle Force)	Increases force of muscle contractions of heart; high rate of complications, including abnormal heart rhythms	digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)

FOR FURTHER READING

Respiratory Problems

"Breathe Easy: Respiratory Care for Children With Muscular Dystrophy."
"Breathe Easy: Options Offered for Respiratory Care," Quest, vol. 5, no. 5, 1998.
"A Breath of Fresh Air," Quest, vol. 5, no. 6, 1998.

Heart Transplants

"Desperate Remedies: Heart Transplants Are Saving Lives in Becker Muscular Dystrophy," Quest, vol. 3, no. 4, 1996.

Consultants for this article were William Groh, a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology of the heart at Indiana University, Indianapolis; Stanley Goldberg, a pediatric cardiologist specializing in echocardiography at University Medical Center, Tucson, Ariz.; and Kevin Campbell, a specialist in muscle membrane proteins at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.