Which effect is similar to that of beta-blockers and is achieved by Diltiazem?

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that primarily affects the heart and blood vessels. This drug helps to lower heart rate, which is one of the effects that can be observed with beta-blockers. However, the correct response focuses on the ability of Diltiazem to reduce blood pressure, much like beta-blockers do.

Diltiazem works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action not only leads to vasodilation—widening of the blood vessels—resulting in lower peripheral vascular resistance but also has a secondary effect of reducing the workload of the heart. As the heart faces less resistance during pumping, the blood pressure declines.

In many ways, this mechanism mirrors that of beta-blockers, which also work to lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate and decreasing the contractility of the heart. The overall effect is a significant reduction in the cardiovascular workload and blood pressure, providing similar therapeutic outcomes.

Although Diltiazem does have effects on heart rate and can improve oxygen consumption indirectly by decreasing workload, the direct and significant lowering of blood pressure is the most prominent similarity with the effects of beta-blockers.