title: [Treatment of human arterial hypertension. Role of calcium channel inhibitors].
abstract: The vasoconstrictor effects of several hormonal systems, including catecholamines, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and vasopressin, are mediated by calcium. Calcium channel inhibitors acting on smooth muscle therefore exert a potent vasodilator effect which can be of benefit for the treatment of human arterial hypertension. Single doses of nifedipine or verapamil induce a rapid and pronounced fall in blood pressure and can be used as emergency treatments of acute, severe hypertension. Blood pressure response to these drugs can be predicted from a variety of parameters, such as peripheral arterial resistance, age and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. The anti-hypertensive activity of calcium channel inhibitors is maintained in long-term treatments, whether they are administered alone or associated with one or two other drugs, as in hypertensions difficult to control. The advent of new compounds with long-lasting effects should encourage the development of this new category of anti-hypertensive agents.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thibonnier
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014700:Verapamil; D009543:Nifedipine
vernacular_title: Traitement de l'hypertension artérielle humaine. Place des inhibiteurs des canaux calciques.