Final answer:
Calcium Channel Blockers are medications that lower blood pressure and can also affect heart rate by blocking the entry of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular cells. Examples include Nifedipine, Verapamil, and Diltiazem. They are used alongside ß-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol to treat cardiovascular conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calcium Channel Blockers (also known as Calcium Antagonists or Calcium Blockers) are a class of medications used to treat various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and angina. They work by inhibiting the entry of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, thereby relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and can also affect the heart rate.
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Verapamil (Calan, Verelan), and Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac) are notable examples of Calcium Channel Blockers, each with specific effects on the cardiovascular system. Nifedipine primarily lowers blood pressure, while Verapamil and Diltiazem can lower both blood pressure and heart rate. Other related drugs include Amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel), Felodipine (Plendil), Nimodipine (Nimotop), and Nisoldipine (Sular).
The negative inotropic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers refers to their ability to decrease the strength of the heart's contraction and stroke volume. In contrast, ß-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol, aim to improve cardiac function by blocking the ß-receptors that are associated with vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration. Both types of drugs serve as treatments for various cardiovascular diseases and conditions.