What is a benefit of using non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs)?

The benefit of using non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil and diltiazem, lies in their ability to reduce heart rate and alleviate angina. These medications work by inhibiting calcium entry into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to a decrease in heart rate and myocardial contractility. This reduction in heart rate helps to lessen the oxygen demand of the heart, which is particularly beneficial for patients with angina—chest pain resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

By decreasing heart rate, these drugs can improve exercise tolerance and reduce the frequency and severity of angina episodes. This is particularly useful in the management of various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain types of arrhythmias. Therefore, their role in managing heart rate and angina makes this benefit a crucial aspect of their therapeutic use in cardiology.