Calcium channel blockers are used to treat hypertension since: 1) calcium helps muscle cells relax 2) decreased intracellular calcium results in muscle contraction 3) decreasing calcium entry decreases muscle contraction
Calcium channel blockers are used to treat hypertension since: 1) calcium helps muscle cells relax 2) decreased intracellular calcium results in muscle contraction 3) decreasing calcium entry decreases muscle contraction
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Calcium Channel Blockers and Hypertension
Calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Their effectiveness in managing hypertension can be attributed to several physiological mechanisms:
1. **Calcium helps muscle cells relax**
2. **Decreased intracellular calcium results in muscle contraction**
3. **Decreasing calcium entry decreases muscle contraction**
### Explanation of Mechanisms:
1. **Calcium helps muscle cells relax**:
- **Explanation**: While calcium itself does not directly help muscle cells relax, the regulation of calcium through calcium channels is crucial for muscle function.
2. **Decreased intracellular calcium results in muscle contraction**:
- **Explanation**: This statement is actually the opposite of what happens. A decrease in intracellular calcium leads to a decrease in muscle contraction, not an increase. When calcium channels are blocked, the intracellular calcium decreases, leading to relaxation of the muscles.
3. **Decreasing calcium entry decreases muscle contraction**:
- **Explanation**: This is the accurate mechanism. Calcium channel blockers decrease the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This results in decreased muscle contraction and thereby helps in lowering blood pressure.
### How Calcium Channel Blockers Work
Calcium channel blockers achieve their antihypertensive effect by preventing calcium ions from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This action relaxes and widens blood vessels, reducing the effort required by the heart to pump blood throughout the body, and thus, lowering blood pressure.
In essence, calcium channel blockers help in managing hypertension by decreasing the contraction of muscles in the blood vessel walls.
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