CALCIUM BLOCKER Meaning and
Definition
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A calcium blocker refers to a type of medication that inhibits the movement of calcium ions into cells, particularly into the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels and in the heart. Calcium blockers are also known as calcium channel blockers or calcium antagonists.
The primary function of calcium blockers is to relax and widen blood vessels, which results in decreased vascular resistance and increased blood flow. By blocking calcium channels, these medications prevent the entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of arterial walls, reducing the muscle's ability to contract. This mechanism of action promotes vasodilation, which helps lower blood pressure and increase oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Furthermore, calcium blockers can limit the heart's workload by reducing the force of cardiac muscle contraction and slowing down the heart rate.
Calcium blockers are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart), and certain heart rhythm disorders. They are available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and intravenous formulations. Some commonly prescribed calcium blockers include verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, and amlodipine.
It is important to note that calcium blockers may have side effects such as low blood pressure, dizziness, constipation, and ankle swelling. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, may need to use calcium blockers with caution or adjust their dosage under medical supervision.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM BLOCKER
- xalcium blocker
- valcium blocker
- falcium blocker
- dalcium blocker
- czlcium blocker
- cslcium blocker
- cwlcium blocker
- cqlcium blocker
- cakcium blocker
- capcium blocker
- caocium blocker
- calxium blocker
- calvium blocker
- calfium blocker
- caldium blocker
- calcuum blocker
- calcjum blocker
- calckum blocker
- calcoum blocker
Etymology of CALCIUM BLOCKER
The term "calcium blocker" is actually derived from the class of medications known as "calcium channel blockers". The etymology of the word "calcium" can be traced back to the Latin word "calx", meaning "lime" or "chalk". It refers to the chemical element calcium, which was named after the Latin word "calx" due to its occurrence in limestone and other calcium-rich minerals. The term "blocker" here emphasizes the mechanism of action of these medications, which block or inhibit the influx of calcium ions into cells, particularly in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and the heart. These drugs were initially discovered for their ability to block calcium channels, hence the name "calcium channel blockers", which has been shortened to "calcium blockers" in common usage.
Similar spelling words for CALCIUM BLOCKER
- calcium hydrate,
- calcium light,
- calcium oxide,
- calcium carbonate,
- calcium hydride,
- Calcium Sulphate,
- calcium stearate,
- calcium nitrate,
- calcium carbide,
- calcium lactate,
- calcium chloride,
- calcium sulfate,
- calcium hydroxide.
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