You are here: PharmacyArticlesAmlodipine, Blood PressureHow Does Amlodipine Help Prevent Coronary Artery Disease? Read more articles on: Amlodipine, Blood Pressure Published on: April 18, 2021 Last Updated On: February 24, 2022 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. How Does Amlodipine Help Prevent Coronary Artery Disease? Coronary artery disease is a condition where the blood vessels of your heart are disordered or damaged. Blockage of these vessels by fat deposits or inflammation are some common causes.The coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart. Their diseases reduce blood supply to the heart, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If the artery is completely blocked, it may cause a heart attack.Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops gradually, and you may have no symptoms unless there is a significant blockage or reduced blood supply. Getting regular check-ups and leading a healthy lifestyle can help prevent CAD.Medicines that can treat the underlying cause can help manage CAD. Amlodipine is one such drug when the underlying cause is hypertension.Here is more about CAD, its indications, and how Amlodipine can help.Table of Contents What Is Coronary Artery DiseaseCommon Warning Signs Symptoms in womenTreating It with AmlodipineUse and DosageOther Precautions to Keep In MindLifestyle ChangesWhat Is Coronary Artery DiseaseAs discussed before, diseases of blood vessels supplying the heart are known as coronary heart diseases (CAD). A build-up of cholesterol and fatty acids, called plaques, is the common cause of CAD. The build-up of plaques damage and clog the arteries and result in a condition known as atherosclerosis, a common cause of CAD.The blockage of arteries reduces blood and nutrition supply to the heart muscles needed for optimal functioning, resulting in chest pain or heart attack.So, how does plaque accumulate in the blood vessel?A healthy blood vessel is elastic and smooth. The inside of these vessels is lined by cells that protect the vessel walls and support the free flow of blood through them.While you age, the blood vessels start showing changes and develop fatty streaks. Gradually, cholesterol, fats, and calcium start depositing on the inside of blood vessels, causing minor damage. With time, other substances such as cellular waste products, inflammatory cells, and protein may stick to the walls. All these things can cause plaque formation. ALSO READ High Blood Pressure Medication: Amlodipine vs ClonidineThese plaques can be of different sizes. Some of them are soft on the inside, covered with a hard cap. If this hard surface breaks or tears, the inner fatty tissue is exposed. Platelets (type of blood cells responsible for clot formation) are attracted to this area and form clots around it.The lining of the blood vessel can also be inflamed and lose its elasticity, causing it to contract at the wrong times. This further causes the blood vessel to narrow.Besides, the blood clot may break from the area of origin and clog some part of the vessel. If it completely blocks the artery, it stops the supply to heart muscles, resulting in a heart attack.Risk factor for plaque formation and thus CAD include:High cholesterol levelsInsulin resistanceInactivityObstructive sleep apneaExcessive alcohol consumptionHigh blood pressureTobacco smokingObesityUnhealthy eating habitsEmotional stressFamily historyBeing above 45 years for men and 55 years for women (risk is the same for menopausal women and men)Common Warning Signs Insufficient blood and nutrient supply to the heart muscles may cause multiple symptoms, angina being the most common indication. This can be felt as chest heaviness, pain, squeezing, tightness, and burning.Other symptoms of CAD may include:Shortness of breathDizzinessPain in shoulders or armsSweatingAs the plaque builds gradually, you may not have symptoms unless the artery is significantly blocked. Your heart muscles may die gradually, and this is known as a heart attack.So, if you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. The symptoms may be different in women than in men.Symptoms in womenVomitingNauseaJaw painBack painShortness of breath without chest painTreating It with AmlodipineAmlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.It lowers your blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering the cells of your blood vessels and heart. Calcium causes your heart and arteries to contract strongly, increasing the resistance to blood flow.ALSO READ How To Lower Blood Pressure Using Food And Dietary Changes?Calcium channel blockers block calcium entry, relaxing the blood vessels and thus lowering resistance to blood flow and blood pressure. Amlodipine thus increases oxygen and blood supply to the heart.Various studies have shown that taking calcium channel blockers such as Amlodipine may reduce angina symptoms and the need for surgery. Besides, by lowering blood pressure, it offers preventive action on blood vessel walls.But Amlodipine is usually indicated only when other medicines such as beta-blockers are not tolerated or fail to manage angina symptoms. It causes relaxation of blood vessels, improves oxygenation of heart muscles, reducing symptoms of angina.Use and DosageTake medicine as suggested by your doctor.Read the patient information leaflet before taking this medicine. Generally, you can follow the mentioned instructions:Take medicine exactly as suggested by your doctorSwallow the whole tablet without breaking it with a glass of waterYou can also dissolve this tablet in a glass of water if that is easier for you to take. But you must take all the water at once if you are doing so.You should take medicine at the same time every day without failYou can take this tablet with or without foodGrapefruit increases the concentration of Amlodipine and thus increases the risk of side effects. So, avoid eating or drinking grapefruit when taking this medicine.Do not stop the medication unless advised by your doctor. Hypertension is a silent disorder, which does not have any symptoms. You should thus take this medicine even if you feel well.If you forget the dose, take it as soon as you remember it the same day and carry on as usual from the next dayIf you completely forget the dose for the whole day, skip it and carry on, as usual, the next dayDo not take double the dose to compensate for the missed doseOther Precautions to Keep In MindAs with every medication, Amlodipine may also have some side effects in specific individuals.ALSO READ Heart Attack Prevention Medication: Aspirin vs. ClopidogrelVery CommonEdema or fluid retentionConsult your doctor if it persists for more than a week.CommonDizzinessHeadacheSleepinessAbdominal painNauseaPalpitationsFatigueDouble or altered visionDiarrhea or constipationAnkle swellingMuscle crampsHowever, if you get the following side effects, you should visit your doctor immediately:Swelling of face, eyes, or lipsSudden chest pain, breathing difficulty, or wheezinessSwelling of the tongueSevere skin allergy including hives, skin rash, intense itching, and peeling of the skinAbnormal heartbeatsSevere back and abdominal pain that may suggest inflammation of the pancreasYou should avoid this medication if you have the following conditions or are on certain medications unless suggested by your doctor.You should not take Amlodipine if you have the following conditions:Low blood pressure Allergy to Amlodipine or any of its ingredientsAortic heart valve narrowing Cardiogenic shockHeart failureYou should also avoid taking Amlodipine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Inform your doctor before taking Amlodipine if you have either of the following conditions:Recent heart attackSudden increase in blood pressureLiver disordersHeart failureIt is also a good idea to consult your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking its juice while on Amlodipine. Besides, alcohol also interferes with the working of this medicine and should be avoided as it may increase the risk of side effects.Also, talk to your doctor before taking any new drugs, herbs, or supplements, as it is possible that they may interact with Amlodipine.Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of blood pressure and pulse. Contact your doctor immediately if your pulse is slower than what it is supposed to be.Lifestyle ChangesTreatment for CAD works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle.Some lifestyle modifications include:Manage your blood pressureStop smokingCheck cholesterol levels regularlyManage blood sugar levelsLimit or avoid alcoholBe activeMaintain a healthy weightEat heart-healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grainsManage stress through yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. 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