title: Calcium channel blocking agents: physiologic basis of nursing intervention.
abstract: Calcium channel blocking agents, which are important in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, have been in use for nearly 20 years, yet their uses, side effects, and implications to the nursing profession have been elucidated only recently. The primary effects of these agents are on vascular smooth muscle and the AV node. Nifedipine and diltiazem are effective in the relief of angina, and verapamil is used in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. This article reviewed cardiovascular physiology as it relates to nursing care of patients who receive calcium channel blocking drugs.
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000503:physiopathology; D000788:Angina Pectoris, Variant / Q000503:physiopathology; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000502:physiology; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000503:physiopathology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000494:pharmacology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012849:Sinoatrial Node / Q000502:physiology; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000503:physiopathology; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem; D009543:Nifedipine; D002118:Calcium