Calcium Channel Blockers and Muscle Contraction Quiz

By blocking the passage of calcium into the muscle cells that control the size of blood vessels, preventing the muscles of the arteries from constricting and allowing blood vessels to dilate, which reduces blood pressure.

Calcium plays a central role in the electrical stimulation of cardiac cells and in the mechanical contraction of smooth muscle cells in the walls of arteries.

About 30 to 40 percent of patients with hypertension are effectively treated with calcium channel blockers as an initial treatment for high blood pressure.

<p>Many doctors still recommend trying other drugs first because calcium channel blockers are more costly than diuretics or beta blockers, even though they are generally well tolerated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The trade name for the calcium channel blocker diltiazem is Cardizem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Headache, nausea, tiredness, ankle swelling, dizziness, and rash</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>nicardipine</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is used to treat people who have had a burst blood vessel in the head (subarachnoid haemorrhage or ruptured aneurysm).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vasospasm, a condition that can lead to a recurrence of stroke.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dizziness or light-headedness, headache, nausea, fast heart rate, skin rash, or swelling of the lower extremities</p> Signup and view all the answers