What is the typical effect of calcium channel blockers?

Calcium channel blockers primarily work by inhibiting the flow of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, which leads to several physiological effects. One of the main effects is vasodilation, meaning that they relax and widen the blood vessels. This reduction in vascular resistance helps lower blood pressure and can improve blood flow to various tissues. Vasodilation occurs as the smooth muscle in the arterial walls relaxes, allowing for an increase in the diameter of these vessels.

In addition to their vasodilatory effect, calcium channel blockers can also lead to a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contractility, which can further contribute to their therapeutic effects in conditions like hypertension and certain cardiac arrhythmias. However, the primary and direct action of these medications is the promotion of vasodilation.

This characteristic distinguishes calcium channel blockers from other classes of medications that may increase blood pressure or cardiac output, as their primary role is to decrease vascular resistance and lower blood pressure through the relaxation of blood vessels.