Calcium channel blockers are a family of drugs which have some chemical properties in common, but which also have some distinctions. Examples of calcium channel blockers are Diltiazem, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nimodipine, Amlodipine, Felodipine,and Verapamil. Calcium channel blockers dilate blood vessels and may slow your heart rate. This relaxes the cells and opens the vessels, thereby allowing blood to flow more easily through them.
Blood pressure is lowered.
The increased flow of blood may bring more oxygen to the heart, which leads to a decrease of chest pain and discomfort. Calcium channel blockers may slow your heart rate too much, lower your blood pressure too much, or weaken the contractions of your heart. Certain calcium channel blockers may increase the likelihood of breast cancer. Short acting calcium channel blockers should be used with caution for long-term treatment of hypertension, because there is some concern that they may increase the chance of a heart attack. Long-acting calcium channel blockers are recommended.