Side Effects Of Calcium Channel Blockers

Leg And Feet Swelling

An individual may experience leg and feet swelling as a result of their long term treatment with calcium channel blockers. Leg and feet swelling in such circumstances can be attributed to fluid pooling in the limbs, otherwise known as peripheral edema. Peripheral edema occurs in patients who take calcium channel blockers because of the alterations the medication precipitates in their arterial pressure. Pressure in the small arteries and venous circulation must match one other to prevent the inappropriate settling of fluid in the interstitial compartments. However, the mechanism of calcium channel blockers is known to produce an imbalance between the arterial capillary pressure and venous circulation. This imbalance allows for fluids to diffuse out of the small capillaries and begin to accumulate in the affected individual's interstitial areas. Swelling in the legs and feet due to calcium channel blocker precipitated peripheral edema has no association with increased retention of water in the body.

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