Cartia XT Uses

Cartia XT uses are primarily focused on the treatment of high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain. The calcium channel blocker works by relaxing the blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and lowers blood pressure. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label Cartia XT uses, such as treating unstable angina, migraines, and irregular heart rhythms.

 

Cartia XT Uses: An Overview

Cartia XT (Cardizem CD®) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina).
 

Cartia XT Uses for High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, Cartia XT was shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Cartia XT can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, the medication is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

Cartia XT Uses for Angina

Chest pain is known medically as angina.
 There are several types of angina, including:
 
Stable angina is the most common type of angina and occurs when the heart is working harder than usual. The pain comes at predicable times (such as during exercise) and usually goes away in a few minutes after you rest or take your angina medicine. This type of angina is usually caused by coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. When these arteries become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque, it's called coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, or just heart disease. Clogged arteries can keep the heart from getting enough blood and oxygen, and can cause chest pain.
 
Unstable angina is a dangerous condition that requires emergency treatment, as it is a sign that a heart attack could occur soon. Unlike stable angina, it does not follow a pattern. It can occur without physical exertion and is not relieved by rest or medicine.
 
Variant angina is rare; it usually occurs at rest and is caused by spasms in the arteries of the heart. It may be associated with coronary artery disease, but it can also occur in people with otherwise healthy hearts. Variant angina can increase your risk of a heart attack or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
 
Cartia XT is approved to treat stable angina and variant angina. It helps the blood vessels relax, which relieves pain and lessens the workload on the heart.
 
(Cartia XT Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;