Verapamil is primarily used as a treatment for which cardiovascular issue?

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that is primarily used to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure. Its mechanism involves the inhibition of calcium ions from entering vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and a decrease in heart rate and force of contraction. This leads to reduced workload on the heart and lower blood pressure.

While verapamil can also have effects on other cardiovascular issues, such as managing angina (which ties into myocardial ischemia) or controlling certain types of arrhythmias, its primary and most common use, particularly in the context of outpatient treatment, is for hypertension. This ability to lower blood pressure helps prevent complications associated with untreated high blood pressure, such as heart attacks and strokes.