Calcium Channel Blockers used for Treatment of High Blood Pressure

There are many classes of calcium channel blockers. Those used for treatment of high blood pressure are all effective on one particular type of calcium channel. List of calcium channel blockers used for treatment of hypertension.

How calcium channel blockers work

Calcium is important for all types of muscle contraction, including the heart and the smooth muscle that surrounds blood vessels. Calcium gets into cells through calcium channels in the outer cell membrane. When calcium enters muscle cells of blood vessel walls, through the calcium channels, it causes contraction of the muscle. This contraction makes the blood vessels narrower, which increases blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers bind to the calcium channels and decrease the amount of calcium that enters the blood vessel muscle cells. The decrease in entry of calcium means that the muscle cells are less contracted, and so the blood vessels are wider (more dilated) and so blood pressure is lower. Additionally, the calcium channel blockers will result in the heart not contracting so strongly, so there is less blood being pushed into blood vessels, which will further decrease blood pressure.

Use of calcium channel blockers

Generally for high blood pressure in the absence of other problems, calcium blockers are not the first choice for initial therapy. There are several types of calcium channel that can be used. The choice usually depends on any coexisting health problems. Besides being used for high blood pressure calcium channel blockers may be used for treatment of angina (chest pain) and abnormal heart rhythm.

When calcium channel blockers are prescribed for high blood pressure, usually long acting formulations are chosen. These sustained release forms result in less fluctuation in blood pressure and heart rate.

Potential side effects of calcium channel blockers

The potential side effects, depend on the class of calcium channel blockers

The most common potential side effects are, heartburn, swelling feet and ankles (edema), dizziness, weakness, and redness and warmth of the face.

Less common side effects include constipation (especially when taking verapamil), slow heartbeat (verapamil and diltiazem), shortness of breath, trouble swallowing and tingling in hands and feet.

As with all drugs, there may be side effects when this class of drugs is taken in combination with certain other drugs. Make sure that your health care provider is aware of any, and all, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements and vitamins that are being taken.