UNLIKE OTHER BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS, THIS RX DOESN’T SLOW YOUR HEARTBEAT
Amlodipine is a prescription medication sold under brand names including Amvaz, Katerzia, Norliqva, and Norvasc. It is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, and coronary artery disease.
The medication belongs to the calcium channel blocker class, which includes two main groups: dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It primarily works by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body and helping lower blood pressure. Nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers work more directly on the heart muscle and can affect both heart rate and the strength of heart contractions.
So, does amlodipine lower your heart rate? Not significantly in most people. Although it is commonly prescribed to reduce blood pressure, amlodipine generally has minimal effects on heart rate compared with nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.
Key takeaways
- Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure and treat conditions such as chest pain and coronary artery disease.
- Unlike calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem and verapamil, amlodipine generally has little effect on heart rate and does not typically lower it.
- Along with prescribed treatment, habits such as regular exercise, deep-breathing techniques, and reducing smoking, alcohol, and caffeine may help lower heart rate.
Does Amlodipine Lower Heart Rate?
Amlodipine generally does not lower heart rate. According to cardiology experts, any change in heart rate associated with the medication would typically be very small and related to its effect on blood vessel resistance. Other calcium channel blockers can directly slow the heart rate, but amlodipine generally does not.
Amlodipine vs. Other Blood Pressure Medications
Amlodipine is commonly used as a first-line treatment for high blood pressure. It works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of the arteries, allowing the blood vessels to relax and reducing the pressure required for blood to flow through them.
Other blood pressure medications can have a much stronger effect on heart rate. These include:
- Diltiazem and verapamil: These nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can lower both blood pressure and heart rate and may be useful for people who need control of both, such as some individuals with atrial fibrillation.
- Beta blockers: Medications such as metoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, and atenolol can reduce heart rate by blocking the effects of hormones such as adrenaline. Metoprolol is particularly effective at slowing the heart rate.
8 Ways to Help Lower Your Heart Rate
A typical resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A heart rate above 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia. Although heart rate naturally rises during exercise, stress, and other everyday activities, consistently elevated rates can sometimes be associated with underlying heart problems.
If an underlying medical condition is responsible for a persistently high heart rate, treatment should be guided by a healthcare provider. However, several healthy habits can support a normal resting heart rate.
1. Quit smoking
Smoking is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and smokers tend to have higher resting heart rates than people who do not smoke. Quitting can therefore be an important step toward better cardiovascular health.
2. Exercise regularly
Consistent physical activity can help lower your resting heart rate over time. Aerobic activities such as brisk walking and running are particularly helpful, but other forms of exercise—including yoga, walking, tai chi, and strength training—can also benefit cardiovascular health.
3. Stay hydrated
Maintaining adequate hydration can help your heart function normally. Research has found that drinking water may temporarily reduce both heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Staying hydrated is especially important after exercise or during hot weather.
4. Manage stress
Stress can increase heart rate, so finding ways to relax may help bring it down. Exercise, meditation, and other stress-management techniques can support cardiovascular health. Even simple relaxing activities may help reduce stress and blood pressure.
5. Practice deep breathing
Deep-breathing exercises can help promote relaxation and may have cardiovascular benefits. Research has found that breathing exercises can produce modest but meaningful improvements in both heart rate and blood pressure.
6. Limit caffeine
Although caffeine can improve alertness, consuming large amounts regularly may contribute to a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. The source notes that consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, roughly equivalent to four cups of coffee, may have these effects over time.
7. Limit alcohol
Moderate alcohol consumption may not have a major effect on heart rate, but heavy drinking can. Higher doses of alcohol have been associated with an increased heart rate that may persist for as long as 24 hours after drinking.
8. Prioritize sleep
Getting around 7–8 hours of sleep each night can help reduce stress and support overall cardiovascular health. Sleep quality and duration are also associated with heart health.
The Bottom Line
Amlodipine is primarily prescribed to lower blood pressure by relaxing the arteries. Unlike certain other calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, it generally does not significantly slow the heart rate.
If you’re concerned about a high or unusually low heart rate, or have questions about how amlodipine is affecting you, speak with your healthcare provider rather than changing your medication on your own.
Source: SingleCare