Congestive heart failure calcium channel blockers
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
- Although calcium channel blockers cause vasodilation their overall benefit is minimized by the fact that they have a negative inotropic effect and by the reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
- These agents are not recommended as vasodilators in patients with congestive heart failure, however they may be useful as antihypertensive agents in patients with diastolic dysfunction.
Drugs to Avoid in CHF
- Dronedarone should be avoided in patients who were hospitalized with CHF (this is a boxed warning)
- Sotalol (has a negative inotropic effect)