What effect do calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have on blood pressure?

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications that significantly decrease blood pressure. They work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. This process leads to the relaxation of these muscles, resulting in vasodilation, which lowers peripheral vascular resistance and thus leads to a reduction in blood pressure.

By reducing calcium availability, CCBs effectively lower the contractility of the heart and decrease the heart rate in some cases. The overall outcome is a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making CCBs a common choice for the management of hypertension.

The understanding of how CCBs function is crucial for their application in clinical settings, particularly for patients with hypertension or cardiovascular issues.