A 70‑year‑old woman has been diagnosed with hypertension. Explain how calcium channel blockers help reduce blood pressure and give an example of a commonly used dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker in India.
Answer
Calcium channel blockers inhibit L‑type Ca²⁺ channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and lower BP. A commonly used dihydropyridine CCB in India is nifedipine.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Calcium channel blockers inhibit L‑type voltage‑gated Ca²⁺ channels in vascular smooth muscle.
- Step 2: Blocking Ca²⁺ entry reduces intracellular calcium concentration, causing smooth‑muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
- Step 3: Vasodilation lowers peripheral resistance, which in turn decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Step 4: A widely prescribed dihydropyridine CCB in India is nifedipine, which is effective and well tolerated.
Common mistake: Thinking CCBs raise blood pressure instead of lowering it
Concept tested: CCB action on vascular smooth muscle
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