Calcium Channel Blockers are primarily used to:

Study for the Paramedic Pharmacology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Master the material and ace your exam!

Calcium channel blockers are primarily used to prevent or treat angina and hypertension due to their mechanism of action that directly affects calcium ions in muscle cells. By inhibiting the influx of calcium through voltage-gated calcium channels, these medications relax the smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation. This vasodilation decreases peripheral resistance and, therefore, can lower blood pressure.

In the heart, calcium channel blockers also reduce the force of contraction and decrease heart rate, which can help manage angina by decreasing the workload on the heart and improving oxygen delivery to the myocardium. Their ability to relax vascular smooth muscle is particularly useful in treating conditions related to high blood pressure and anginal episodes, making them essential in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy