Discussion of calcium channel blockers to treat cardiac dysrhythmias

1. Use of Diltiazem in Treatment
of Supraventricular
Tachycardia
NUR 236
Group assignment 1

2. Objectives
• Upon completion of this presentation the
learner will be able to:
– State the effects of calcium channel blockers
on the heart and blood vessels
– Name the two calcium channel blockers that
are used as antidysrhythmics
– Name three adverse effects for which the
nurse should monitor the patient receiving IV
diltiazem

3. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
• Prevent calcium from entering cells
• Used to treat:
– High blood pressure
– Angina
– Cardiac dysrhythmias

4. Antidysrhythmics
• Most calcium channel blockers only act
on blood vessels
• Two CCBs act on the heart
• Useful as antidysrhythmics
– Verapamil
– Diltiazem

5. Action of Calcium & CCBs
• Calcium regulates vascular smooth
muscle contraction
• CCBs cause vasodilation
– Lowers blood pressure
– Improves coronary blood flow

6. Action of Calcium & CCBs
• Calcium increases forcefulness of
myocardial contractions
• CCBs decrease myocardial contractility
– Improves anginal pain

7. Action of Calcium & CCBs
• Calcium increases discharge from SA
node
• CCBs slow heart rate

8. Actions of Calcium
• Calcium increases conduction across
AV node
• CCBs slow conduction between atria
and ventricles

9. Adverse Effects of CCBs
• Heart failure
– Assess for signs
frequently

10. Adverse Effects of CCBs
• Bradycardia
– Continuous cardiac monitor

11. Adverse Effects of CCBs
• Hypotension
– Monitor BP every hour

12. References
Blood pressure monitor image (nd). Retrieved June 24, 2011
from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeusandhera/408799829/size
s/s/in/photostream/
Cardiac monitor image (nd). Retrieved June 24, 2011 from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brykmantra/76765412/sizes/s
/in/photostream/
Heart failure graphic (2008). Retrieved June 24, 2011 from
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heartfailure.jpg