(For more, see the What is being tested? section.) A hemoglobin test may be used to: Screen for, diagnose, and measure the severity of anemia (low RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit) or polycythemia (high RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit) Monitor the response to treatment of anemia or polycythemia.
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering into the heart muscle cells, and into the smooth muscle cells that cause blood vessels to constrict. This relaxing effect results in the dilation of blood vessels, and a reduced force of contraction of the heart muscle.
Why do I need to take a calcium channel blocker? Calcium channel blockers are used to control high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). How do calcium channel blockers work? Calcium channel blockers slow the rate at which calcium passes into the heart muscle and into the vessel walls. This relaxes the vessels.