I. Introduction.
Amlodipine is a widely used antihypertensive drug in clinical practice, and its mechanism of action is mainly to reduce blood pressure by dilating vascular smooth muscle and reducing peripheral resistance. For people with high blood pressure, long-term use of amlodipine can provide multiple benefits. This article will delve into seven important effects of long-term use of amlodipine on the body, giving you a more complete understanding of the important role of this drug in high blood pressure.
2. Stable blood pressure.
The most direct effect of taking amlodipine for a long time is to keep blood pressure stable. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure by dilating vascular smooth muscle, reducing peripheral resistance. Stabilizing blood pressure helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and reduces damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
3. Cardiovascular protection.
In addition to directly lowering blood pressure, amlodipine also has cardiovascular protective effects. Amlodipine can inhibit the entry of calcium ions into myocardial cells, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, and improve myocardial blood and oxygen supply. In addition, amlodipine also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, which can reduce the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis.
Fourth, the risk of stroke is reduced.
High blood pressure is one of the important risk factors for stroke. Long-term use of amlodipine can help lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of stroke. A large-scale clinical study showed that patients taking amlodipine for a long time had a significantly lower incidence of stroke than those who did not use antihypertensive drugs.
Fifth, the kidneys benefit.
Amlodipine has a protective effect on the kidneys. Long-term use of amlodipine can improve the hemodynamics of the kidneys, reduce the burden on the kidneys, and delay the progression of renal insufficiency. For hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency, amlodipine can effectively reduce urine protein excretion and delay the progression of renal damage.
6. Numbness and weakness of the limbs.
Some patients may experience limb numbness and weakness after taking amlodipine for a long time*** These symptoms usually appear at the beginning of taking the drug, and most patients will have some relief with the extension of the time of taking the drug. For people with persistent limb numbness and weakness, doctors may consider adjusting the dose of medication or switching to other antihypertensive medications.
7. Improvement of the quality of life.
Long-term use of amlodipine can help improve the quality of life of patients. Stable blood pressure control can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, alleviate headaches, dizziness and other symptoms caused by hypertension, and thus improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, cardiovascular protection also helps to improve the patient's exercise tolerance and life expectancy.
8. Summary and Suggestions.
Long-term use of amlodipine has many benefits for people with hypertension, including stable blood pressure, cardiovascular protection, reduced risk of stroke, renal benefits, and improved quality of life. However, patients also need to be aware of possible limb numbness and weakness during the process of taking amlodipine***
In order to give full play to the best effects of amlodipine, patients should take individualized medication under the guidance of a doctor, and regularly monitor blood pressure and related biochemical indicators. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits and dietary structure is also an important adjunct to hypertension. Health