End organ protection by calcium-channel blockers.
In recent years, much attention has been given to end organ protection by antihypertensive, anti-heart failure, and anti-ischemic medications. This review describes the available information on end organ protection by calcium-channel blockers (CCBs). In normotensive patients and patients with hypertension treated with long-acting dihydropyridines, medial thickness was thinner than in patients treated with atenolol or in untreated hypertensive patients. Long-term treatment was associated with significant reduction in left ventricular mass. Calcium-channel blockers also improved endothelial-dependent relaxation and reversed the vasoconstrictive response to nitric oxide inhibitors. In diabetic patients, CCBs were effective in preserving kidney function and microalbuminurea. The combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and CCBs was more effective than ACE inhibitors alone in preserving kidney function. In animal experiments, CCBs prevented development of coronary atheroschlerosis; however, in humans only limited data are available on their antiatherogenic effect. Some studies suggest that CCBs exert antiplatelets properties and may therefore be beneficial in patients with coronary artery disease.
Tzivoni
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Bendheim Department of Cardiology, Jesselson Heart Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers