What are the results of administering a calcium channel blocker?

Study for the Drugs Affecting Blood Pressure Test. Boost your knowledge with interactive quizzes and insightful explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Administering a calcium channel blocker leads to several physiological effects related to cardiovascular health. These medications work by inhibiting the entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells, which brings about relaxation of the blood vessels. When the smooth muscle in the arterial walls relaxes, this leads to vasodilation, which helps lower resistance in the blood vessels.

Furthermore, by decreasing the contractility and heart rate, calcium channel blockers also reduce the workload on the heart. The decrease in the heart's workload contributes positively to heart health, especially in patients with conditions like hypertension or heart failure.

As a result of both vasodilation and reduced workload on the heart, these drugs ultimately contribute to a decrease in blood pressure. This multifaceted benefit makes calcium channel blockers effective treatments for managing hypertension and certain types of angina.

The answer encompasses all these effects, confirming that the results of administering a calcium channel blocker include relaxation of blood vessels, reduced workload on the heart, and decreased blood pressure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy