Do Calcium Channel Blockers lower pulse rate? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Mastiff4mee · 04-28-2009, 03:04 PM

Do CCB have an effect on pulse rate like Beta Blockers? I know that ace inhibitors do not effect the pulse rate. I need a high blood pressure med that will both control my blood pressure and heart rate.

Any specific recommendation?

DW123 · 04-28-2009, 03:46 PM

I have used Norvasc which is a calcium channel blocker for 14 years it has never lowered my pulse rate, but it has been very effective at helping me to control my bp. I also use a beta blocker and ace inhibitor. The only drug that I know of to control the heart rate is a beta blocker.

flowergirl2day · 04-28-2009, 08:14 PM

It depends.

Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into the heart muscle cells. This decreases the force of contraction of the heart and also its rate of contraction. So, basically, CCBs slow the rate at which the heart beats. Some CCBs -like Amlodipine- have very little effect on the heart rate and contraction, making them safe to use for people with HF or slow heart rhythm. Others, like verapamil or diltiazem, have the strongest effect on both the heart rate and its contraction. This makes them suitable for use in people whose hearts beat too fast.

FG

mtngal · 05-04-2009, 09:16 AM

Calcium channel blockers do slow the heart rate but norvasc seems to be the only one that doesn't do that. I am on 40mgs of micardis but may have to take norvasc at night because the micardis does not seem to be strong enough to lower the bp enough on a regular basis. I sometimes get a good reading and sometimes I don't so I may go on norvasc soon in the evening.

mtngal · 05-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I am glad to hear that norvasc works for you. I get nervous when I hear people complain about side effects from it because I may have to add it to my micardis regimine as my bp still gets a little high in the morning at first. I think the doctor mentioned that if my bp is not lower, then he would start me on norvasc. Do you eat grapefruit? I heard that you cannot eat grapefruit on a calcium channel blocker but that norvasc, you could wait four hours and eat one half, and it would be OK. Did your doctor tell you to stay off grapefruit or the juice?