The full form of DHP in medical term is dihydropyridine.
Dihydropyridines are an example of a calcium channel blocker (CCB), a class of drugs that prevent calcium ions from entering cells by blocking calcium channels within the heart muscle and arterial blood vessels. By obstructing these channels, CCBs encourage vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels) and modifications to cardiac function, such as decreases in contractility strength, heart rate, and conduction speed.
Together, these actions result in a fall in blood pressure and a reduction in the heart’s oxygen needs to function. Due to these cardiovascular effects, CCBs could be utilized to treat excessive blood pressure, angina (chest discomfort brought on by a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle), and cardiac arrhythmias, amongst many other heart conditions (disturbances within the heart rhythm).
Most pharmaceuticals used now to deal with hypertension are 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) medications. Meanwhile, all of the structures in this class exhibit high sensitivity to light, which eliminates their pharmacological activity.
Numerous disorders involving enhanced vascular resistance or blood vessel contraction can be treated with dihydropyridines. They are most frequently employed to treat hypertension through vasodilation or the dilatation of arteries.