Calcium channel blocker

A medication that inhibits calcium channels, reducing calcium entry into cells. Many types relax vascular smooth muscle and lower blood pressure.

L-type calcium channel: A voltage-gated calcium channel found in cardiac muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and other excitable cells. Most commonly prescribed blockers act on this channel subtype.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated blood pressure that increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Arterial relaxation makes calcium channel blockers common blood-pressure treatments.
Beta blocker: A medication that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing effects of stress hormones on the heart and other tissues. Both classes treat angina, but beta blockers reduce sympathetic cardiac stimulation.
Peripheral edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulating in tissues, commonly in the lower legs and ankles. Dihydropyridines can raise pressure in small vessels and cause ankle swelling.
Vascular smooth muscle: Involuntary muscle in blood-vessel walls that controls vessel diameter. Blocking calcium entry relaxes this muscle and widens arteries.
Angina pectoris: Chest discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. These drugs can reduce cardiac workload or improve coronary blood flow.
ACE inhibitor: A medication that inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and reduces production of angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure through hormonal signaling rather than calcium-channel blockade.
Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal heart rate, usually defined in adults as below 60 beats per minute. Verapamil and diltiazem can suppress heart rate and cardiac conduction.
Dihydropyridine: A chemical class of calcium channel blockers that preferentially affects vascular smooth muscle. Its members, including amlodipine, chiefly lower vascular resistance.
Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heart rhythm arising from disorganized electrical activity in the atria. Verapamil and diltiazem can control ventricular rate in selected patients.

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