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A calcium channel blocker is a medicine that limits calcium movement into heart and blood vessel muscle cells. Calcium helps these muscles contract, so blocking calcium can relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload. Calcium channel blockers are used for high blood pressure, angina, and some heart rhythm problems. They are prescription medicines and should be taken only as directed.
read more about calcium channel blocker ...Calcium channel blockers reduce calcium entry through L-type calcium channels. In blood vessels, this relaxation lowers resistance and can lower blood pressure. In the heart, some calcium channel blockers slow electrical conduction and reduce heart rate. The exact effect depends on whether the medicine mainly acts on blood vessels, the heart, or both.
Calcium channel blockers are used for hypertension, angina, coronary artery spasm, Raynaud symptoms, and selected arrhythmias. Amlodipine and nifedipine are commonly used for blood pressure and angina. Diltiazem and verapamil can be used for certain rhythm and rate-control needs. The prescriber chooses the medicine based on blood pressure, heart rate, heart function, and other medicines.
Calcium channel blockers include dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines. Dihydropyridines include amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, and isradipine. Non-dihydropyridines include diltiazem and verapamil. Dihydropyridines act more on blood vessels, while diltiazem and verapamil have stronger effects on heart rate and electrical conduction.
Calcium channel blockers can cause ankle swelling, headache, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or low blood pressure. Verapamil can cause constipation and can slow the heart rate. Diltiazem and verapamil can interact with beta blockers and other heart rhythm medicines, raising the risk of slow heartbeat or heart block. Seek care for fainting, severe dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing, very slow heartbeat, or swelling that worsens quickly.
Yes, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It is commonly used for high blood pressure and certain types of angina.
Yes, calcium channel blockers can lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Some also slow heart rate, depending on the medicine.
No, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers are different medicine classes. Both can affect blood pressure and heart function, but they work through different pathways.
Yes, ankle or leg swelling can happen, especially with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine. Tell the prescriber if swelling becomes bothersome or sudden.
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