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Calcium channel blockers are primarily used to:

a) Increase heart rate
b) Dilate blood vessels
c) Reduce blood pressure
d) Enhance blood clotting

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Calcium channel blockers are used to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure in treating cardiovascular conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Calcium channel blockers are primarily used to dilate blood vessels and consequently reduce blood pressure. These medications, such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and Verapamil, work by preventing calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels. This action helps to lower blood pressure and can also improve the symptoms of other cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure. While β-blockers like metoprolol and propanolol are known for blocking β-receptors and are used in treating cardiovascular diseases, calcium channel blockers target different mechanisms to manage such conditions.

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