Can norvasc lower heart rate
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Can Norvasc Lower Heart Rate?
Introduction to Norvasc and Its Primary Use
Norvasc, also known by its generic name amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily, thereby reducing blood pressure. However, there is interest in understanding whether Norvasc can also lower heart rate.
Effects of Norvasc on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Blood Pressure Reduction
Multiple studies have confirmed that Norvasc effectively reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For instance, a study involving 30 patients with arterial hypertension and obesity showed significant reductions in blood pressure after six weeks of treatment with Norvasc 1. Another study conducted in the Czech Republic with 155 patients also demonstrated a statistically significant decline in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over a 12-week period 2.
Heart Rate Impact
The effect of Norvasc on heart rate is less straightforward. In the study involving 30 patients, Norvasc was found to decrease heart rate while sitting by an average of 4.2 beats per minute (bpm) 1. This suggests that Norvasc can indeed lower heart rate in some patients. However, another study involving normotensive men undergoing cold-induced stress tests found that Norvasc did not affect heart rate during these tests 3. Similarly, a comparative study between felodipine-metoprolol and amlodipine (Norvasc) showed that while felodipine-metoprolol significantly reduced heart rate, amlodipine did not have a marked effect on heart rate throughout a 24-hour monitoring period 4.
Comparative Studies and Additional Insights
Comparison with Other Medications
When compared to other antihypertensive medications, Norvasc's effect on heart rate appears to be less pronounced. For example, in a study comparing Norvasc with a combination of felodipine and metoprolol, the latter combination was more effective in reducing heart rate 4. This indicates that while Norvasc is effective in lowering blood pressure, its impact on heart rate may not be as significant as other medications.
Long-term Effects and Safety
Long-term studies have shown that Norvasc is effective in maintaining stable blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular complications. A two-year study monitoring patients with hypertension found that Norvasc effectively controlled blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications 5. However, the study did not specifically focus on heart rate changes over the long term.
Conclusion
In summary, Norvasc (amlodipine) is highly effective in reducing blood pressure, but its impact on heart rate is variable. Some studies indicate a modest reduction in heart rate, while others show no significant effect. Therefore, while Norvasc can lower heart rate in certain conditions, it is not consistently reliable for this purpose across all patient groups. Further research may be needed to fully understand the conditions under which Norvasc can effectively lower heart rate.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Изучение клинической эффективности двух препаратов амлодипина (оригинального и воспроизведенного) у больных артериальной гипертонией и ожирением: результаты рандомизированного, перекрестного исследования
Original amlodipine (Norvasc®) and generic amlodipine (GA) both effectively decrease blood pressure and improve metabolic parameters in patients with arterial hypertension and obesity after 6 weeks of treatment.
RCTEffect of Amlodipine on Blood Pressure Responses in Local and Whole-body Cooling in Normotensive Men
Amlodipine lowers peak diastolic blood pressure in a cold pressor test and slightly decreases systolic and diastolic pressures in whole-body cold air exposure, but does not prevent cold-induced rises in blood pressure or heart rate.
Non-RCTAmbulatory 24-h blood pressure assessment of the felodipine-metoprolol combination versus amlodipine in mild to moderate hypertension. Lorraine General Physician Investigators Group.
Felodipine-metoprolol combination effectively lowers average blood pressures and has a more pronounced effect on heart rate and rate pressure product compared to amlodipine, with a similar efficacy/tolerability balance.
RCTThe Effect of Norvasc on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Compliction of the Patients with Hypertension
Norvasc effectively controls blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in patients with hypertension.
Observational StudyCoronary angiographic changes in patients with cardiac events in the Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Vascular Effects of Norvasc Trial (PREVENT).
Norvasc reduces clinical events, such as hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris and the need for percutaneous coronary interventions, in patients with minimal angiographic disease.
Overview of the prospective randomized evaluation of the vascular effects of Norvasc (amlodipine) trial: PREVENT.
Amlodipine reduces carotid intima-media thickness progression and significantly reduces unstable angina hospital admissions, but does not affect minor coronary lesions.
Comparative study of Yashida and Norvasc in chronic renal insufficiency with hypertension
Yashida 5mg or 10mg daily is as effective and safe as Novasc in treating hypertension in chronic renal insufficiency patients.
RCTSex bias and underutilization of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with coronary artery disease at academic medical centers in the United States and Canada. Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Vascular Effects of Norvasc Trial (PREVENT) Investigators.
Lipid-lowering therapy is underutilized in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly in women, suggesting a need for more intensive efforts to maximize CAD reduction.
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