calcium-channel blocker
- noun
- /ˈkælsiəm ˈʧænəl ˈblɑːkər/
- Specialized
- Other classes like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers tend to be favorable mostly when used in combination.
Examples
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In fact, nifedipine given alone seemed to increase the risk of ischaemic events. Such data are lacking for the non-dihydropyridine-like calcium-channel blocker diltiazem. 8, 9
Academic text (1995) -
Table 4: Relative risks corrected for B-blockers and calcium-channel blockers.
Academic text (1995) -
Next is calcium channel blockers or CCB's.
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Firstly, the haemodynamic differences between calcium-channel blockers.
Academic text (1995) -
Several trials of calcium-channel blockers, either individually or with beta-blockers, were conducted.
Academic text (1995) -
Risk ratios are also presented for adjustment for baseline treatment with calcium-channel blockers and/or beta-blocking agents, by use of the Mantel-Haenszel statistic.
Academic text (1995) -
Another possible reason for the results observed is the variability in absorption, volumes of distribution, and clearance of the diverse calcium-channel blockers when these agents are given orally or sublingually.
Academic text (1995) -
Because post-transplant pancreatitis seems to be less frequent in patients receiving calcium channel blockers, some centers now treat all pancreas transplant recipients with nifedipine, beginning postoperatively.
Academic text (1995) -
Doctors often prescribe a calcium-channel blocker to help lower high blood pressure.
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Many patients with angina find relief when taking a calcium-channel blocker regularly.
Synonyms
A drug that reduces calcium entering heart and blood vessel muscles to treat high blood pressure and chest pain
Surface Forms
Morphology
calcium-channel + blocker
The compound clearly decomposes into calcium + channel + blocker, so its meaning — a substance that blocks calcium channels — is directly inferable from the constituent meanings. Although it's a technical medical term, the compositional pattern (what blocks what) is regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the parts can grasp that it denotes a drug that inhibits calcium movement through channels.
Etymology
Calcium-channel blocker imagines the medicine as a blocker that closes tiny channels or doors that let calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. By closing those doors, it keeps calcium out so the heart and vessels relax, which 'lowers blood pressure' and eases chest pain.