Calcium-channel blockers and systemic hypertension.
Calcium-channel blockers selectively inhibit transmembrane flux of calcium in excitable tissues. Their ability to block calcium-mediated electromechanical coupling in contractile tissue produces peripheral vasodilation and has led to interest in their use for systemic hypertension. A postulated involvement of calcium in the development of the increased vascular tone of hypertension makes these agents appear particularly attractive for use as vasodilators. Clinical trials suggest a potentially important role for the calcium-channel blockers in the treatment of systemic hypertension.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007700:Kinetics; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem; D009543:Nifedipine