Calcium channel blockers are used to treat which of the following conditions?

• A. Angina
• B. Diabetes
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Answer: (A)

Calcium channel blockers help treat angina because they relax vascular smooth muscle and, in certain agents, slow the heart’s conduction. By blocking L-type calcium channels, they cause dilation of coronary and peripheral arteries, which improves blood flow to the heart. At the same time, they reduce the heart’s oxygen demand by lowering afterload and, with non-dihydropyridine-type drugs, can also decrease heart rate and contractility. This combination relieves chest pain from angina and can prevent episodes, especially in vasospastic or stable angina.

They aren’t used to treat diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or hyperthyroidism, which require other targeted therapies (diabetes meds, lipid-lowering agents, and antithyroid or symptom-control treatments, respectively).