Calcium Channel Blockers
Start with the big picture
CCBs support angina treatment by reducing vascular resistance and, in some cases, cardiac workload. Dihydropyridines are potent arterial vasodilators and can cause reflex tachycardia; non-dihydropyridines reduce SA and AV node conduction and contractility, making them useful when angina occurs with tachyarrhythmia. The lesson distinguishes their roles in stable, vasospastic, and microvascular angina, including their place in vasospastic angina and selected combination therapy. It also addresses adverse effects, contraindications, interactions, and differences in hemodynamic effects among nifedipine, diltiazem, and verapamil. Understanding these distinctions helps connect each drug’s pharmacology with its clinical use and monitoring needs.
What you'll learn
- Explain how L-type calcium channel blockade affects vascular tone and myocardial oxygen demand.
- Distinguish dihydropyridines from non-dihydropyridines by their cardiac and vascular effects.
- Identify angina settings in which calcium channel blockers have a role.
- Recognize important adverse effects, contraindications, and drug interactions.
- Compare the hemodynamic effects of nifedipine, diltiazem, and verapamil.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.