In which scenario would non-dihydropyridine CCBs be preferable to dihydropyridine CCBs?

Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs), such as verapamil and diltiazem, are particularly useful in cases of stable angina and atrial fibrillation due to their distinct pharmacological effects. These agents primarily work by inhibiting calcium influx in the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate and contractility.

In the case of stable angina, non-dihydropyridines help to reduce myocardial oxygen demand by lowering heart rate and improving blood flow through coronary arteries, which can relieve angina symptoms. Similarly, in atrial fibrillation, these medications serve to slow the conduction through the AV node, allowing for better rate control in patients experiencing this arrhythmia.

The other scenarios mentioned do not align well with the use of non-dihydropyridine CCBs. For instance, during acute heart failure, the negative inotropic effect of non-dihydropyridines could worsen heart failure symptoms rather than ameliorate them. In hypertension management alone, dihydropyridine CCBs are often preferred because they effectively lower blood pressure without the additional cardiac effects that non-dihydropyridines impose. Lastly, in cases of ventricular tachycard