Knowra Verapamil Verapamil Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that slows electrical conduction through the heart and relaxes arterial smooth muscle. It is used for hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias.
L-type calcium channel : A voltage-gated calcium channel that carries calcium into cardiac, smooth-muscle, and other excitable cells. Verapamil binds these channels, reducing calcium entry in the heart and arteries.
Hypertension : Persistently elevated pressure of blood in the arteries. Arterial relaxation from verapamil can lower blood pressure.
Diltiazem : A non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used for hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias. Like verapamil, it slows nodal conduction, but its balance of cardiac and vascular effects differs.
Bradycardia : A heart rate slower than the normal range for a person’s age and circumstances. Excessive slowing of nodal activity is a potential effect of verapamil.
Calcium-channel blocker : A medication that reduces calcium-ion entry through voltage-gated calcium channels. Verapamil belongs to this drug class and is distinguished by strong effects on cardiac conduction.
Atrioventricular node : A region of specialized cardiac tissue that conducts electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. Verapamil slows conduction here, helping control ventricular rate in some arrhythmias.
Angina pectoris : Chest discomfort caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Verapamil can reduce cardiac workload and relieve stable angina.
Amlodipine : A dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used mainly to treat hypertension and angina. Unlike verapamil, it acts predominantly on peripheral blood vessels and has little nodal effect.
Atrioventricular block : Impaired electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles. Verapamil can worsen conduction delay, particularly in susceptible patients.
Antiarrhythmic : A medication used to prevent or treat abnormal heart rhythms. Verapamil’s rhythm-control effects place it among antiarrhythmic drugs.
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