What is the primary action of calcium channel blockers?

What is the primary action of calcium channel blockers?

Step 1: Understand that calcium channel blockers are medications.
Step 2: Know that these medications affect the heart and blood vessels.
Step 3: Learn that calcium channel blockers work by blocking calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells.
Step 4: Recognize that calcium is important for heart muscle contraction.
Step 5: Realize that by blocking calcium, these medications reduce the strength of heart contractions (contractility).
Step 6: Understand that a weaker contraction means the heart doesn't have to work as hard.
Step 7: Know that calcium channel blockers also slow down the heart rate.
Step 8: Conclude that by reducing both contractility and heart rate, calcium channel blockers lower the heart's oxygen demand.

No concepts available.