Start » Glossary » Calcium antagonists (CA antagonists)

Group of drugs used to treat coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. The calcium antagonists inhibit the influx of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and into the muscle cells of the blood vessels. As a result, the beating force and beating frequency of the heart decreases and the blood vessels "relax". Consequently, the high blood pressure is lowered and the heart is relieved. A distinction is made between three subgroups: 1. Verapamil type - for the treatment of atrial arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and hypertension. 2. Nifedipine type - for the treatment of high blood pressure, changes and spasm tendencies of the small vessels of the heart and the small vessels of the fingers (Raynaud's syndrome). 3. Diltiazem type - are used for the treatment of coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias and coronary spasm.