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Calcium Channel Blockers

Home | Drug Therapy | Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing muscle in the heart and blood vessels. This has the effect of reducing blood pressure, slowing the heart rate and reducing the heart’s oxygen needs. Calcium channel blockers are used for treating high blood pressure and angina caused by CAD or coronary artery spasm.

In most people, the beneficial effects of calcium channel blockers on blood pressure outweigh their negative effect of reducing the heart’s pumping ability. Therapy with calcium channel blockers is not suitable for all patients as these agents may cause or worsen heart failure. Common side effects of calcium channel blockers include headaches, stomach upsets and swollen ankles, particularly at higher doses.

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