What is nifedipine?
Nifedipine is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain symptoms caused by coronary artery disease). This medication helps relax blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly ½ of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.
Nifedipine may be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other medication as a treatment for hypertension. In addition to medication, you may be prescribed certain lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure.