Elise Freeman, a 40-year-old interior designer, had no idea that her blood pressure was elevated. One day at the shopping mall she saw an automatic blood pressure machine and thought she would try it....

Elise Freeman, a 40-year-old interior designer, had no idea that her blood pressure was elevated. One day at the shopping mall she saw an automatic blood pressure machine and thought she would try it. She could hardly believe the machine’s reading when it revealed her blood pressure was 150/92 mmHg. She was certain that there must be something wrong with the machine. After all, she felt fine. In fact, she is rarely ill and never misses work due to illness. Just to be certain, Elise made an appointment with her doctor for a check-up. During her first clinic visit, her blood pressure was 146/90 mmHg, heart rate was 78 beats/min, respiratory rate was 16 breaths/min, and temperature was 36.8°C (98.2°F). Elise was instructed on lifestyle modifications for HTN and told to return to the clinic in 1 month. The next month, Elise’s blood pressure remained elevated. Multiple diagnostic studies, which included an ECG and blood chemistry levels, were completed. Her health care provider prescribed amlodipine (Norvasc) and instructed her to return in 1 week. All of this has caused Elise to be concerned and worried about her health. She has accessed the Internet to learn as much about HTN as possible and amlodipine in particular. With all the information about high blood pressure, she is even more confused and anxious.

1. Describe how calcium channel blockers control HTN.

2. Elise asks you, the nurse, if calcium channel blockers can cure HTN. How would you respond?

3. What adverse effects are associated with calcium channel blockers?