Calcium channel blockers slow the rate at which calcium passes into the heart muscle and into the vessel walls. This relaxes the vessels. The relaxed vessels let blood flow more easily through them, thereby lowering blood pressure. There are many different kinds of calcium channel blockers.
The amount of medicine you need to take may vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about how and when to take this medicine. Other medicines that you may be taking can increase or decrease the effect of calcium channel blockers. These effects are called an interaction. Be sure to tell your doctor about every medicine and vitamin or herbal supplement that you are taking, so he or she can make you aware of any interactions. The following are categories of medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers.
Because there are so many kinds of medicines within each category, not every type of medicine is listed by name. Tell your doctor about every medicine that you are taking, even if it is not listed below. While on calcium channel blockers, you should also avoid smoking. 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. Some calcium channel blockers can also slow the heart rate, which can further lower blood pressure. The medications may also be prescribed to relieve chest pain angina and control an irregular heartbeat. Calcium channel blockers are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting medications work quickly, but their effects last only a few hours.
Long-acting medications are slowly released to provide a longer lasting effect. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated. Sometimes, a doctor might prescribe a calcium channel blocker with other high blood pressure medications or with cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins. In addition to being used to treat high blood pressure, a doctor also may prescribe calcium channel blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of conditions, such as:.
For blacks and older people, calcium channel blockers might work better than other blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Avoid grapefruit products while taking certain calcium channel blockers. Grapefruit juice interacts with the drug and can affect heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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Make sure your doctor has an updated list of all of your medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Grapefruit products interfere with the normal excretion of the medication. It could be potentially dangerous if large amounts of the drug accumulate in your body. Some CCBs can lower blood glucose levels in some people. They may adjust your dosage or recommend that you switch to another medication if the side effects are prolonged, uncomfortable, or pose a threat to your health.
Magnesium is an example of a nutrient that acts as a natural CCB. Research has shown that higher levels of magnesium block the movement of calcium. In animal studies, magnesium supplementation seemed to be most effective in the young with elevated blood pressure, before they developed hypertension. It also seemed slow the progression to hypertension.
Magnesium-rich foods include :. You can manage high blood pressure with more than medication. We'll show you seven home remedies for high blood pressure, including exercising…. Several herbs may help lower high blood pressure. Learn more about good herbs for hypertension, from basil to hawthorn. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.
The benefits usually outweigh the side effects. You are likely to have regular blood pressure and heart rate checks while taking calcium channel blockers. If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day.
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