MASTERING MEDICATIONS FOR A HEALTHY HEART: CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKERS
Calcium-channel blockers, also known as calcium antagonists, seem to work by preventing or slowing the flow of calcium into muscle cells. Calcium activates contraction of muscle, so if it is blocked, cardiac and arterial muscle will not contract as much. This is an obvious benefit for the patient, as a strong contraction in the coronary artery may be enough to totally occlude the flow of blood, especially when the artery is already compromised by the build-up of cholesterol-laden plaque. The actions of calcium-channel blockers make them useful in managing angina, hypertension and arrhythmias.
Research reports in the medical literature have shown the following benefits derived from calcium blockers: they improve coronary flow, suppress arrhythmias, diminish cell damage in the heart muscle during times of oxygen deficit, reduce platelet aggregation, and reduce excessive growth of the left ventricle caused by excessive work resulting from the need to beat rapidly to provide oxygen. As with beta-blockers, there has been some evidence that prescribing calcium blockers can reduce the incidence of subsequent heart attack. However, the data are not as clear, and some controversy remains. Again, this will be your doctor’s decision as to which medication to prescribe.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol
