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๐Ÿ’Š Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used in the treatment of many cardiovascular conditions including hypertension and angina. They are divided into subclasses, non-dihydropyridines, and dihydropyridines and differ by their pharmacokinetic properties, clinical uses, response, and selectivity. โ 
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๐Ÿ’Š The name of this class, calcium channel blockers, hints at its mechanism of action โ€“ inhibits the entry of calcium into cells of the cardiac and peripheral vascular smooth muscles. โ 
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๐Ÿ—’๏ธ Calcium entry into L-type channels of cardiac and peripheral vascular cells is needed for them to contract or constrict more strongly. โ 
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๐Ÿ—’๏ธ By blocking calcium entry, calcium channel blockers cause:โ 
๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿป peripheral vascular smooth muscle relaxation (decreases blood pressure)โ 
๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿป decreased myocardial contractility (decrease myocardial demand making them effective in angina)โ 
๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿป decrease heart rate and conduction velocity (useful in arrhythmias). โ