The ESCAPE-NET Research
The findings come from the ESCAPE-NET project, a European research initiative focused on identifying causes and risk factors of cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from more than 10,000 individuals using calcium channel blockers and compared them with over 50,000 control subjects.
The results showed that patients taking high doses of Nifedipine had a significantly higher risk of experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those not taking the medication or those using Amlodipine.
Understanding the Science Behind It
Both Nifedipine and Amlodipine belong to a class of drugs known as dihydropyridines. They work by blocking L-type calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce chest pain.
However, researchers found that high doses of Nifedipine may excessively shorten the electrical activity (action potential) of heart cells. This can create instability in heart rhythms and increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
