Calcium channel blockers are medications used to treat high bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure, certain arrhythmias, and angina.
They work by helping bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessels widen and, depending on the type, by slowing the heart rate.
There are two main categories:
- Those that act mainly on the heart,
- And those that act mainly on the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessels.
1. Cardiac CCBs
Examples: diltiazem (Cardizem™, Tiazac XC™), verapamil (Isoptin™)
These medications slow the heartbeat and slightly lower bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
They are often prescribed to:
- control certain arrhythmias (by slowing the heart rate),
- relieve angina,
- or lower bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
They are usually taken once a day.
Possible side effects: fatigue, dizziness, and sometimes constipation (more common with verapamil).
2. Vascular CCBs
Examples: amlodipine (Norvasc™), nifedipine (Adalat™), felodipine (Plendil™))
These medications act mainly on the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessels, helping them dilate and thereby reduce bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
They are used to:
- treat hypertension,
- or relieve symptoms of angina.
They are also usually taken once a day.
Possible side effects: dizziness and, in some people, swelling of the feet or ankles.
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