What is the mechanism of calcium channel blockers?
What is the mechanism of calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers are medications used to lower blood pressure. They work by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium causes the heart and arteries to squeeze (contract) more strongly. By blocking calcium, calcium channel blockers allow blood vessels to relax and open.
What are the types of calcium channel blockers?
There are two different types of calcium channel blockers, which are called dihydropyridines and nondihydropyridines.
What happens when calcium channels are blocked?
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries. Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
What is the function of calcium channels?
Calcium channels are the structural components of cardiac cells that provide a mechanism to modulate the force of contraction.
What is the difference between ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker?
The accumulated evidence suggests important differences between ACE inhibitors and CCBs in preventing hypertensive complications. ACE inhibitors appear to have an impressive protective effect additional to that due to blood pressure reduction, while CCBs have a relatively adverse effect on CHD.
How do calcium channel blockers cause vasodilation?
Because muscle contraction is largely dependent upon influx of calcium, its inhibition causes relaxation, particularly in arterial beds. Thus, the major effects of the calcium channel blockers are relaxation of vascular and arterial smooth muscle cells resulting in arterial vasodilation.
What is the most effective calcium channel blocker?
The dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, a group that includes amlodipine, felodipine and lacidipine, are a common choice for treatment of hypertension. Amlodipine, which is both low cost and taken once daily, is the one of the most commonly prescribed agents.
What is the generic name for calcium channel blocker?
There are many different generic and brand-name forms of calcium channel blockers available, including: Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiamate) Verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Verelan) Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia, Procardia XL)
Why calcium channel blockers should be avoided in heart failure?
Calcium channel blockers should generally be avoided in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) since they provide no functional or mortality benefit and some first generation agents may worsen outcomes [1].
What happens when calcium channels open?
When the channel pore opens, it allows calcium ions to flow into the cell, increasing the concentration of calcium in the cell and signaling functions such as gene transcription, proliferation and cell migration.
How many calcium channels are there in the body?
A Calcium ion (Ca2+) channels Four types of Ca2+ channels (L, N, P, and T) have been identified based on biophysical and pharmacological criteria.
Which is better lisinopril or amlodipine?
The ALLHAT investigators attributed at least part of the better cardiovascular outcome on amlodipine compared with lisinopril to the more pronounced blood pressure reduction on the CCB, particularly in women and black patients.