Verapamil

Definition

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of heart arrhythmias. It works by inhibiting calcium ions from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels and a decrease in heart rate. This medication plays a crucial role in managing cardiovascular conditions, making it significant for treating both hypertension and heart failure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Verapamil is often prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia due to its ability to control heart rate.
2. The drug is available in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release versions, allowing for flexibility in dosing schedules.
3. Verapamil not only lowers blood pressure but can also help with chest pain (angina) by improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
4. Common side effects of verapamil include constipation, dizziness, and headaches, which are important to monitor in patients taking the medication.
5. As a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, verapamil has unique properties that differentiate it from other calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, especially regarding its effects on heart rate.

Review Questions

• How does verapamil’s mechanism of action affect both blood pressure and heart rhythm?
  • Verapamil works by blocking calcium channels, which prevents calcium from entering cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. This action leads to relaxation of blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. Additionally, by slowing down conduction through the AV node in the heart, verapamil helps regulate heart rhythm, making it effective for treating arrhythmias.
• Discuss the potential side effects of verapamil and how they might impact patient adherence to treatment.
  • Common side effects of verapamil include constipation, dizziness, and headaches. These adverse effects can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and may lead to non-adherence to treatment regimens. Healthcare providers should monitor these side effects closely and offer strategies to manage them, such as dietary adjustments for constipation or dosage modifications.
• Evaluate the role of verapamil in managing cardiovascular diseases compared to other antihypertensive drugs.
  • Verapamil plays a vital role in managing cardiovascular diseases due to its dual effect on lowering blood pressure and controlling heart rhythm. Unlike other antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics, which primarily focus on reducing blood volume or peripheral resistance, verapamil directly affects cardiac contractility and conduction. This unique profile makes it particularly beneficial for patients with specific arrhythmias or those who have both hypertension and angina, highlighting its importance in comprehensive cardiovascular management.

Related terms

Calcium Channel Blockers: A class of medications that prevent calcium from entering cells, leading to reduced contraction of the heart and relaxation of blood vessels.

Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat that can occur when the electrical impulses in the heart do not function properly, which can be treated with medications like verapamil.

Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, often requiring pharmacological intervention to manage.