Cardiovascular pharmacology · USMLE Step 1

Which calcium channel blocker class predominantly affects vascular smooth muscle rather than cardiac conduction and contractility?

  1. Non-dihydropyridines
  2. Dihydropyridines
  3. Class I antiarrhythmics
  4. ACE inhibitors
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Correct answer: Dihydropyridines

Dihydropyridine CCBs (e.g., amlodipine) act mainly on vascular L-type calcium channels, causing vasodilation with minimal effects on cardiac conduction or contractility.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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