title: [Calcium antagonists in the treatment of congestive heart failure].
abstract: The authors present a revision of the clinical studies using calcium antagonists to treat chronic heart failure. They analyse cases where calcium antagonists seem to be of no use (and can even have an adverse effect), particularly in patients with significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with normal afterload, high levels of renin, very high levels of right atrium pressure or low sodium. On the opposite, patients with increased afterload or valvular regurgitation can receive some benefit, although care must be taken in the administration of this kind of drugs. New calcium antagonists may show more benefit because they seem not to stimulate the adrenergic system and do not have significant negative inotropic effects. They conclude with a reference to the multiple situations that can be the basis for heart failure, suggesting that probably, in the future, therapy shall be more individually tailored and that in some cases calcium antagonists can be included in such therapy.
authors.affiliation: UCIM/Med IV-A, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pereirinha
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Amaro
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Pádua
mesh_terms: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000075202:Contraindications; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers
vernacular_title: Os antagonistas do cálcio no tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca congestiva.