When your heart beats out of rhythm, this symptom can be a concern. One method used to restore your heart beat to a more normal rhythm is a calcium-channel blocker. Although this medication often is not the first line of defense in treating a heart problem, it can prove effective in treating heart arrhythmia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Why They Are Prescribed
Calcium channel blockers are heart medications that are prescribed for a number of troublesome symptoms, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Examples include high blood pressure, hypertension, chest pain and irregular heartbeats. Several types of calcium channel blockers exist and will be prescribed based on your specific symptoms. Calcium channel blockers related to heart rhythm issues include diltiazem CD, diltiazem SR and verapamil SR, according to Consumer Reports.
Function
Calcium is a mineral your body relies on to perform muscle functions, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Taking a calcium channel blocker helps to slow your heart rate by reducing the rate at which calcium goes into the heart muscles and vessel walls. If calcium passes into the heart too quickly, your heart rate can speed up. By relaxing the blood vessels, your heart can return to a more normal beat.
Short-Acting vs. Long-Acting
Calcium channel blockers to lower your heart rate are available in short- or long-acting forms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Short-acting medications can alleviate heart rhythm problems very quickly, but their effects wear off in a few hours. Long-acting medications do not work as quickly, but have longer-lasting effects. Calcium channel blockers used to slow heart rate typically treat the slow-response fibers, according to the website Up to Date.
Effectiveness
Calcium-channel blockers are typically not prescribed as a first-line treatment for heart rate problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your physician may first prescribe diuretics, beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to first treat heart rate issues. However, if these medications prove ineffective or you do not experience other signs of heart disease --- such as diabetes or high blood pressure --- your physician may initially prescribe calcium channel blockers.
Warning
In some instances, taking calcium channel blockers can cause adverse side effects. The most common effects include tiredness, flushed appearance, abdominal swelling and heartburn, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Severe side effects include fainting, chest pain, jaundice, fever, rash, swollen gums or vivid dreams. It's important to notify your physician of any side effects you may be experiencing as they can indicate an adverse reaction to your medication.
Drug Interactions
You should discuss all medications taken with your physician before taking a calcium channel blocker. Because this medication affects your heart rate, negative drug interactions can cause your heart rate to speed up or slow down, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Examples include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, digitalis, corticosteroids, calcium and vitamin D supplements.
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