Ca2häiriöt

Ca2häiriöt, also known as calcium channel blockers, are a class of drugs that work by blocking the action of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This blockade has several important effects. In the heart, calcium is essential for muscle contraction, and by reducing its influx, calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate and decrease the force of contraction. This makes them useful in treating conditions like rapid heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and angina, where the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen.

In the blood vessels, calcium ions cause the muscles in the vessel walls to contract, leading to narrowing. By blocking calcium entry, these drugs cause the blood vessels to relax and widen, a process called vasodilation. This widening of the arteries reduces resistance to blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure. Consequently, calcium channel blockers are widely prescribed for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure).

There are different types of calcium channel blockers, broadly categorized into dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines. Dihydropyridines primarily affect blood vessels, while non-dihydropyridines have a more significant effect on the heart's electrical system and contractility. Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, flushing, and swelling in the ankles, often related to their blood pressure-lowering effects. They are prescribed by healthcare professionals based on the specific medical condition being treated.