If you take amlodipine for high blood pressure or chest pain, you may wonder whether a lower reading on your blood pressure monitor should also mean a slower pulse. Although blood pressure and heart rate are related, medications do not always affect them in the same way.

So, does amlodipine lower heart rate? Generally, no. Amlodipine primarily lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels. At usual therapeutic doses, long-term treatment generally does not cause a significant change in heart rate. Official prescribing information reports that the reduction in blood pressure seen with chronic amlodipine treatment is not accompanied by a significant change in heart rate.

How Does Amlodipine Affect Blood Pressure?

Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc, is a type of calcium channel blocker called a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It reduces the movement of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells, allowing blood vessels to relax. Wider blood vessels reduce resistance to blood flow, which lowers blood pressure and reduces how hard the heart has to work.

Amlodipine is prescribed for high blood pressure and certain forms of coronary artery disease and angina, or chest pain. You can read more about its approved uses and patient precautions in the MedlinePlus amlodipine drug guide.

Patients who already have a prescription can also view Norvasc at Canada Drugs Direct when comparing options for filling their medication.

Why Doesn't Amlodipine Usually Lower Heart Rate?

Not all calcium channel blockers have the same effect on the heart. Amlodipine works mainly on blood vessels rather than directly slowing the electrical signals that control heart rate.

According to current prescribing information, therapeutic doses of amlodipine reduce blood pressure without a significant change in heart rate during chronic use. This differs from some other calcium channel blockers that may be used specifically when slowing the heart rate is part of the treatment goal.

However, individual responses can vary. Rare cardiovascular effects reported with amlodipine include a slow heart rate, fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and palpitations. These events are not the expected effect for most people taking the medication.

If you notice a consistently unusually slow or fast pulse, dizziness, fainting, or a new irregular heartbeat while taking amlodipine, contact your healthcare provider.

What Are the Worst Side Effects of Amlodipine?

Most people who experience side effects from amlodipine have mild or moderate symptoms. Swelling of the legs or ankles, called edema, is the most common adverse effect and becomes more common at higher doses. Other reported effects include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, sleepiness, dizziness, and flushing.

More serious problems are less common. Symptomatic low blood pressure can occur, particularly in people with severe narrowing of the aortic valve. In rare cases, chest pain can become worse or a heart attack can occur after starting amlodipine or increasing the dose, particularly in people with severe obstructive coronary artery disease.

Seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as worsening chest pain, fainting, or a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. The current DailyMed amlodipine prescribing information provides additional safety and interaction information.

Do not stop amlodipine or change your dose on your own because of side effects. Your healthcare provider can determine whether the medication, dose, or another condition may be responsible for your symptoms.

Monitoring Your Heart Rate While Taking Amlodipine

Amlodipine is intended primarily to lower blood pressure, not heart rate. If your healthcare provider has asked you to monitor your blood pressure at home, recording your pulse at the same time may also provide useful information.

Your healthcare provider may review both measurements, especially if you take other heart or blood pressure medications that can affect your pulse.

If you already have a valid prescription, you can compare Norvasc options through Canada Drugs Direct. Canada Drugs Direct gives U.S. customers another option for accessing prescription medications through reputable international pharmacy sources.

Amlodipine usually lowers blood pressure without significantly lowering heart rate. If your pulse changes noticeably after starting the medication, or you develop dizziness, fainting, worsening chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, speak with a healthcare professional promptly.

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with a licensed healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does amlodipine lower heart rate?

Usually, no. Amlodipine primarily relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Clinical information indicates that chronic treatment generally does not cause a significant change in heart rate.

Can amlodipine cause a slow heart rate?

A slow heart rate has been reported with amlodipine, but it is uncommon and is not the medication's usual effect. Contact your healthcare provider if your pulse becomes unusually slow, particularly if you also feel dizzy, weak, or faint.

Can amlodipine make your heart beat faster?

Palpitations and fast heart rate have been reported in some patients. A significant or persistent change in your heartbeat should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

What are the worst side effects of amlodipine?

Serious effects can include symptomatic low blood pressure and, rarely, worsening angina or a heart attack after starting treatment or increasing the dose in certain high-risk patients. Seek medical attention for worsening chest pain, fainting, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Is Norvasc the same as amlodipine?

Yes. Norvasc is a brand name for amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain forms of coronary artery disease and angina.