Do Calcium Channel Blockers Slow Metabolism?

Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications designed to treat conditions such as angina (heart-related chest pain), high blood pressure, migraines and some circulatory problems. In part, they achieve their effects by altering the body's energy processes, or metabolism.

Facts

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, metabolism is a term applied to the physical and chemical processes inside the body that affect the use or creation of energy. Among other factors, this includes muscle contraction and the rate of blood circulation.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Calcium channel blockers---also called calcium antagonists---stop the transfer of blood calcium into the cells of the heart and the walls of blood vessels. As a result, they relax the blood vessels and lower the heart's blood-pumping strength.

Effects on Metabolism

• By lowering muscle contractions in the heart and the blood vessels, calcium channel blockers slow down the body's metabolism. Lowering the heart's pumping power also contributes to this effect.

Considerations

• Strangely, one of the potential side effects of calcium channel blocker use is rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). Additional problems may include headache, constipation, nausea, drowsiness or swelling in the lower extremities.

Additional Considerations

• The effects of calcium channel blockers can have a dangerous impact on individuals with structural heart problems or heart failure.