Calcium antagonists for the treatment of systemic hypertension.
As shown by large-scale clinical trials, the antihypertensive effectiveness of diuretics has been associated with a dramatic decrease in the incidence of stroke. This decrease, however, has not been accompanied by a similar reduction in atherosclerotic complications of hypertension, perhaps because other risk factors are important contributors to cardiovascular disease. In particular, a pathophysiologic relationship appears to exist between high blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Thus, metabolically neutral antihypertensive agents such as calcium antagonists, which have no adverse effects on serum lipids and insulin sensitivity and can reduce left ventricular mass, are particularly suitable for the treatment of hypertension and attendant cardiovascular complications.
Weinberger
M H
MH
Hypertension Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202-5111.
D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D008055:Lipids