Calcium Channel Blocker Medicines

Alternate Terms:
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • CCBs
  • Calcium Antagonists
 Begin Learning with Healthy Advice:
Heart & Circulation



Calcium Channel Blocker Medicines Definition by Healthwise:

Calcium channel blocker medicines

Calcium channel blocker medicines prevent calcium from entering muscle cells and blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels relax, slowing the heart rate and increasing blood flow to the heart muscle while reducing blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers are used to treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure, chest pain caused by coronary artery disease, heart failure, and fast or irregular heart rhythms. They are also used to treat severe headaches.

Author: Jeannette Curtis
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: May 25, 2007

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