Meaning of CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKER

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  any of a class of drugs that block the flow of the electrolyte calcium (either in nerve cell conduction or smooth muscle contraction (of the heart)); has been used in the treatment of angina or arrhythmia or hypertension or migraine
	Synonyms:		calcium blocker
	See Also:		Calan, Cardizem, diltiazem, Isoptin, medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine, nifedipine, Procardia, verapamil
Medical Dictionary
	Definition:		a medication used to treat heart disease.
Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		A drug that blocks the entry of calcium into cells, thereby preventing cell dealth and loss of function caused by excess calcium. Calcium channel blockers are used primarily to lower blood pressure and to treat certain heart conditions and stroke, but are being studied as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. A calcium channel blocker is a drug that interferes with the generation of an action potential in cells dependent on the calcium current for their activation; verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem belong to this class. By reducing the flux of calcium, these drugs slow down the heart rate, and lower blood pressure thereby reducing oxygen demand of the heart. These drugs are used to treat angina, and hypertension.