Which condition is NOT an indication for Verapamil?

Enhance your cardiac drug knowledge with our Collin College Cardiac Drugs Test. Practice with multiple choice and flashcards, each designed with detailed explanations and hints. Ace your exam with confidence!

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat conditions such as angina, hypertension, and certain types of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The correct answer indicates that congestive heart failure (CHF) is not a typical indication for Verapamil.

Verapamil works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into the cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle, leading to a decrease in cardiac contractility and relaxation of blood vessels. While it can be beneficial for managing the heart rate and blood pressure in certain patients, it may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with CHF due to its negative inotropic effects, which can further reduce the already compromised heart function in this population.

In contrast, angina refers to chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, and Verapamil helps to relieve this by dilating coronary arteries and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. Hypertension is another primary indication, as Verapamil effectively lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Additionally, it is commonly used as a second-line agent for managing SVT, helping to control the heart rate during episodes.

Thus, while Verapamil is effective for various cardiac-related conditions, its use in congestive heart failure is limited

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy