The most common use for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is for high blood pressure, migraines and Raynaud’s Disease. They work by preventing cellular calcium intake temporarily. While it’s good to have some calcium in the body, too much accumulating in the heart walls and blood vessels can increase blood pressure and restrict blood vessels. Certain medications in this class not only affect calcium absorption, but can also slow/regulate the heart rate and relieve chest pain.
There are two different types of CCBs: Dihydropyridine and Non-Dihydropyridine. The first type (Amlodipine/Norvasc) does not slow down the heart rate, which makes it safer for people who have already suffered heart failure or slowed heart rates; while the latter (Verpamil/Calan/Isotoptin and Diltiazem/Cardizem) will actually slow the heart, making it a suitable treatment for heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart activity.) Both types of medication are intended to reduce blood pressure and reduce the calcium levels in the heart walls and blood vessels.
The efficacy of these medications has periodically been disputed, but they remain the top considerations for people who have experienced heart failure and artery failure. Sometimes the medicines, like Nicardipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Amlodipine and Verapamil, are prescribed to lower blood pressure, relax the arteries and supply the calcium rich heart muscles with blood. Other times, combination prescriptions, like Amlodipine with Atorvastatin, are used to lower cholesterol, as well as provide the other heart health benefits. Additionally, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the generic forms of calcium channel blockers are just as effective as name-brand versions.
While generally considered safe, people with heart arrhythmias or heart failure should be closely monitored when using calcium channel blockers like Diltiazem and Verapamil, which regulate the heart rate. Patients who are also taking a beta blocker should be closely monitored because the combination may slow the heart too much in some cases, making heart failure even worse. Patients who are also taking an ACE inhibitor will see a reduction in fluid buildup in the legs but should also be monitored. Patients should also take these calcium absorption medications every day to avoid a relapse or increasing their risk of heart failure.
Related posts:
- Calcium Chloride – What Is It Used For?
- Why You Should Care About Calcium?
- Tips About High Blood Pressure Diet Plan
- Reviewing Coral Calcium Fictions & Facts
- The Advantages of Vitamin C
- An Overview Of The Importance Of Magnesium
- Reviewing Vitamin D
- Appropriate Diet to Lower High Blood Pressure
- The Diet to Control High Blood Pressure
- Tips for Bodybuilder Workouts
