Diltiazem Overview

When working with Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker prescribed for high blood pressure and certain irregular heartbeats. Also known as Cardizem, it helps relax blood vessels and slow the heart’s electrical signals.

Because Diltiazem belongs to the Calcium Channel Blocker class, it shares key traits with drugs that target calcium influx in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This link explains why the medication drops both systolic and diastolic pressure – a benefit for anyone managing Hypertension. At the same time, its effect on the heart’s conduction system makes it useful for treating Arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation or flutter. In practice, clinicians often combine Diltiazem with other anti‑arrhythmic agents such as Sotalol to achieve tighter rhythm control when a single drug isn’t enough.

Practical Tips and What to Watch For

Understanding Diltiazem starts with the right dose: most adults begin with 30–60 mg three times daily for angina, or 120–240 mg once daily for hypertension. Adjustments depend on blood pressure response, heart rate, and kidney function. Common side effects include mild swelling in the ankles, headache, and a feeling of dizziness—signals that the drug may be lowering blood pressure too quickly. If you notice a rapid heartbeat, fainting, or worsening chest pain, contact your doctor right away; these could indicate an interaction with other heart meds or an underlying condition.

Beyond the medication itself, supporting heart health with supplements like omega‑3 fatty acids, magnesium, and CoQ10 can enhance Diltiazem’s benefits without raising risk. Lifestyle moves—regular light exercise, low‑salt meals, and stress‑reduction techniques—also play a big role in keeping blood pressure steady. The articles below dive deeper into each of these angles, from detailed dosage tables to ways to pair Diltiazem with heart‑healthy habits, giving you a clear road map for safe, effective treatment.