3. Slow Heart Rate (Bradycardia)
People with high blood pressure often have a high heart rate. Lowering that heart rate is a natural effect of these medications and generally what you are looking for from it. Some calcium channel blockers, particularly non-DHP CCBs like diltiazem and verapamil, can lead to a slow heart rate (bradycardia). While a slightly lower heart rate is a desired effect of these medications, excessively low heart rate may cause symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath. This is another side effect that can be quite dangerous, so speak with your doctor if you are experiencing it. They can put you on a different CCB that will hopefully not produce the same effect.
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