calcium levels

The most common use for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is for high blood pressure, migraines and Raynaud’s Disease. They work by preventing cellular calcium intake temporarily. While it’s good to have some calcium in the body, too much accumulating in the heart walls and blood vessels can increase blood pressure and restrict blood vessels. Certain medications in this class not only affect calcium absorption, but can also slow/regulate the heart rate and relieve chest pain.

There are two different types of CCBs: Dihydropyridine and Non-Dihydropyridine. The first type (Amlodipine/Norvasc) does not slow down the heart rate, which makes it safer for people who have already suffered heart failure or slowed heart rates; while the latter (Verpamil/Calan/Isotoptin and Diltiazem/Cardizem) will actually slow the heart, making it a suitable treatment for heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart activity.) Both types of medication are intended to reduce blood pressure and reduce the calcium levels in the heart walls and blood vessels.

In clinical studies, African Americans, elderly patients and those trying to reduce their sodium intake all benefited greatly from CCBs, although they’re generally not as effective as beta blockers or ACE inhibitors. Beta blockers, for instance, have been proven to reduce recurring heart attacks and mortality following an initial attack, while CCBs have not. Additionally, ACE inhibitors have demonstrable efficiency at preventing kidney failure, while CCBs do not. Even so, Michael Weber, M.D., of the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn says “calcium channel blockers ‘convincingly beat the diuretic’ in helping hypertension patients. Also, due to the low side effects, people who have already suffered a heart attack will find these medications a safer alternative.”

One precaution to take while on calcium channel blockers is to avoid smoking. Cigarettes increase one’s heart rate, which can interact with the CCBs to cause a rapid heartbeat or heart attack. Also, patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice less than four hours after taking their medication because it may interfere with the body’s calcium absorption and excretion levels. Lastly, those on blood thinners like Plavix may not see results, as CCBs affect their efficacy. All things considered, CCBs are some of the most widely prescribed medications for heart patients.

When medical professionals refer to blood pressure they are describing the force applied by the stream of blood within the body on the walls of the blood vessels. A cuff and measuring gauge are generally used to determine an individual’s blood pressure. Measurements are taken in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Two separate measurements are always taken. Systolic blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of the blood vessels while the heart is contracting. Diastolic blood pressure is the force exerted on the blood vessels while the heart is at rest.

Every individual’s blood pressure tends to vary greatly and can actually change from one heart beat to the next. In order to determine a person’s average blood pressure it is necessary to take more than one measurement at various times of day over a period of time.

If a person maintains normal blood pressure he or she is less likely to develop cardiovascular problems or other health complications. Blood pressure that is abnormally high or low can lead to potentially fatal problems. Therefore it is very important to make sure that your health care provider checks your blood pressure regularly.

Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

Healthy blood pressure has a systolic measurement of between 90 and 119. It has a diastolic measurement of 60-79. People with low average measurements are less prone to the health complications associated with hypertension and hypotension. Children have lower blood pressure than adults. Generally the older you are the higher your blood pressure is likely to be.

Blood Pressure Prehypertension

If more than one test indicates that you have a blood pressure reading of between 120/80 and 139/89 you have what is called prehypertension. This means that you are at risk of developing hypertension. If you have prehypertension you should make certain lifestyle amendments in the interest of maintaining your health. For instance you should get down to a healthy weight, exercise more and avoid nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, saturated fats and sodium wherever possible.

Blood Pressure Hypertension

There are two stages of hypertension or high blood pressure. Stage one hypertension is a measurement between 140/90 and 159/99. There are various prescription medications that can be taken to correct the problem of stage one hypertension and the same lifestyle amendments that are used to treat prehypertension are necessary. People with hypertension are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, kidney failure and eye problems.

Stage two hypertension is a measurement of 160/100 or more. People who have elevated hypertension are at particularly high risk of the aforementioned health problems. They require rapid and aggressive medical treatment if they are to avoid having a massive heart attack or stroke.

Blood Pressure Hypotension

Hypotension is the term used to describe low blood pressure. A low measurement varies from one individual to the next. In other words, a person with a diastolic pressure of 60 may experience no adverse symptoms while the next individual may start to react badly if theirs reaches as low as 70. A severe case of hypotension is dangerous because it means that the oxygen and vital nutrients in the bloodstream are not reaching vital organs. This can cause organ damage or failure. In some extreme cases it can cause coma or death.

Hypotension has numerous potential causes including pregnancy, certain medications, blood loss, inadequate nutrition, dehydration and septicemia. You can reduce your risk of developing hypotension by eating a healthy diet with sufficient calories, vitamins and minerals and drinking plenty of water.