Verapamil

Definition

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which reduces the heart's workload and improves blood flow throughout the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Verapamil is classified as a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker, which means it specifically targets the L-type calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels.
2. In the heart, verapamil slows down the conduction of electrical signals, which can help control rapid or irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.
3. Verapamil can also reduce the heart's contractility, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and blood pressure.
4. Verapamil is often used in combination with other medications, such as beta-blockers, to manage cardiovascular conditions more effectively.
5. Potential side effects of verapamil include constipation, dizziness, low blood pressure, and, in rare cases, heart block or heart failure.

Review Questions

• Explain how verapamil works to treat high blood pressure and angina.
  • Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes and dilates the blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload and improving blood flow. By blocking the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, verapamil causes vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the oxygen demand of the heart, thereby relieving the symptoms of angina.
• Describe the role of verapamil in the management of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Verapamil is an antiarrhythmic drug that can be used to control certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. By slowing down the conduction of electrical signals in the heart, verapamil can help regulate the heart rate and restore a normal heart rhythm. Additionally, the reduction in cardiac contractility caused by verapamil can also contribute to the management of arrhythmias.
• Analyze the potential interactions and side effects associated with the use of verapamil.
  • Verapamil may interact with other medications, such as beta-blockers, which can lead to an excessive slowing of the heart rate or a drop in blood pressure. Potential side effects of verapamil include constipation, dizziness, and low blood pressure. In rare cases, verapamil can also cause more serious side effects, such as heart block or heart failure, particularly in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients taking verapamil and adjust the dosage or consider alternative treatments if necessary.

Related terms

Calcium Channel Blockers: A class of medications that block the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and dilate.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Medications that help regulate abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by altering the electrical activity of the heart.

Vasodilation:

The widening of blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow.