Calcium channel blockers are a class of prescription drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is important to have your blood pressure routinely monitored by a health care professional to insure that the drugs are both effective and safe. Inappropriate use or dosing of calcium channel blockers can lead to dangerous and abnormal blood pressures.
Calcium's Effect in the Heart and Blood Vessels
The movement of calcium through ion channels in muscles within the heart and arterial blood vessels stimulates the muscles to contract. As a result, the heart pumps an increasing amount of blood while the arteries constrict. The net result is an increase in blood pressure. Although commonly believed to be a negative attribute, adequate blood pressure is required to maintain circulation and distribute blood to various tissues and organs within the body. Unfortunately, physiological changes can cause blood pressures to remain elevated. Chronic exposure to high blood pressure can lead to complications that include heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil and diltiazem are both calcium channel blockers that are commonly prescribed in the United States. In addition, numerous drugs including amlodipine, felodipine, and nifedipine belong to the class of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Although they all block calcium ion channels, each type of calcium channel blocker can have different properties and affinities for calcium channels in certain locations. By reducing the contractility of muscles within the heart and blood vessels, calcium channel blockers can lower blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure
In order to determine if calcium channel blockers are working, it is important to routinely monitor blood pressure. High blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension may be an indication that the calcium channel blocker is not effective or that the dose is inadequate. A physician should be able to determine if a modification in the drug therapy regimen is required.
Low Blood Pressure
In contrast, excessive dosing of calcium channel blockers can result in low blood pressure, or hypotension. Patients with hypotension may experience confusion, dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness. Low blood pressure can be problematic if it prevents vital organs from obtaining a sufficient supply of blood. In severe cases, low blood pressure can result in shock and organ failure. In addition to blood pressure, patients taking calcium channel blockers should be monitored for adverse side effects and interactions with other drugs.
