Word: Calcium-Channel Blocker
Definition: A calcium-channel blocker is a type of medicine (drug) that helps to control how calcium moves in and out of your cells. Calcium is an important part of many processes in the body, especially in the heart and blood vessels. By blocking calcium, these drugs help to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and regulate heartbeats.
Usage Instructions: - Calcium-channel blockers are usually prescribed by doctors to treat certain health conditions. - They are taken as pills or sometimes given through an injection, depending on the specific drug and the person's needs.
Example Sentence: "The doctor prescribed a calcium-channel blocker to help lower her high blood pressure."
Advanced Usage:Calcium-channel blockers can be classified into two main groups: 1. Dihydropyridines (like amlodipine and nifedipine) - primarily affect blood vessels. 2. Non-dihydropyridines (like verapamil and diltiazem) - affect both the heart and blood vessels.
Word Variants: - The term "blocker" is often used in other medical contexts, such as "beta-blocker" (which affects adrenaline) or "proton-pump inhibitor" (which reduces stomach acid).
Different Meanings: In a non-medical context, "blocker" can refer to anything that prevents something from happening, such as a "traffic blocker" which stops cars from passing.
Synonyms: - Calcium antagonist (another term for calcium-channel blocker)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "calcium-channel blocker," the concept of "blocking" can be used in phrases like: - "Block out distractions" (to stop distractions from affecting you) - "Block up" (to become blocked, like a drain)
Summary: In summary, a calcium-channel blocker is a medicine that helps manage certain heart and blood vessel conditions by blocking calcium flow, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and improved heart function.