HYPERTENSION TTT NOTE 3: SIGNIFICANT NOTES ABOUT CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS (CCBS):

Dihydropyridine CCBs such as nifedipine and amlodipine are commonly associated with #edema, especially when used at higher doses.

Nondihydropyridine CCBs such as verapamil and diltiazem are recognized for their electrophysiological effects, negative_chronotropic effects, and negative_inotropic effects.

These pharmacologic properties may be exploited for their specific clinical utility.

Given that verapamil and diltiazem effectively block cardiac conduction through the atrioventricular node, their value in the management of patients with #atrial_fibrillation & hypertension is obvious.

whereas secondary to their #negative inotropicnegative inotropic inotropic effects, they should be avoided in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

In contrast, the dihydropyridine subclass of agents has no utility in managing atrial dysrhythmias but may be used safely (exception being nifedipine) in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

all CCBs possess some #coronary vasodilating vasodilating properties and, therefore, may be used in select patients for the management of patients with #angina, in addition to their antihypertensive benefits.