Why should calcium channel blockers be avoided in heart failure?
Calcium channel blockers should generally be avoided in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) since they provide no functional or mortality benefit and some first generation agents may worsen outcomes [1].
Are calcium channel blockers used in heart failure?
Calcium channel blockers may be used to treat heart failure caused by high blood pressure when other medications to lower blood pressure do not work. Calcium channel blockers generally should not be used if you have heart failure due to systolic dysfunction.
Which drug is contraindicated in patients with systolic heart failure?
Drugs that can exacerbate heart failure should be avoided, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and most antiarrhythmic drugs (except class III).
Can calcium channel blockers cause CHF?
findings. There is a long-standing concern that the use of calcium channel blockers contributes to the worsen- ing of heart failure in patients with preexisting left ventricular dysfunction.
When should you not give calcium channel blockers?
When calcium channel blockers are used Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) Blood vessel conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease.
Why does diltiazem worsen heart failure?
Diltiazem has a negative inotropic effect and may cause hemodynamic decompensation in patients with reduced ejection fraction.
Why are calcium channel blockers contraindicated in heart failure but not beta blockers?
Non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers are negative inotropes and are therefore contraindicated in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Which drugs should be avoided by patients with heart failure?
Heart failure medicine dos and don’ts: What to avoid
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- Cold and cough medicines with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
- Alka-Seltzer® – this has too much sodium (salt).
- Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem) or verapamil (Calan, Verelan).
What drugs decrease ejection fraction?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers are the cornerstone of the heart failure therapy; indicated in virtually every patient with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
What are the dangers of calcium channel blockers?
Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include:
- Constipation.
- Dizziness.
- Fast heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue.
- Flushing.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Rash.
Can amlodipine cause heart failure?
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.