Antiatherosclerotic effects of calcium channel blockers.
Over the past 30 years, a considerable body of experimental and clinical evidence has accumulated to support the suggestion that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have significant antiatherosclerotic effects that are independent of their hypotensive effects. Early research using animal models of atherosclerosis and CCBs in concentrations that exceeded the normal therapeutic dose range showed definite antiatherosclerotic effects, especially in the development of new lesions. Investigations of these effects in humans have used quantitative coronary angiography and B-mode ultrasonography and have demonstrated some antiatherosclerotic effects. This article reviews the currently available evidence of antiatherosclerotic effects of CCBs in animal models and in clinical trials.
Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. mancini@interchange.ubc.ca
G B John
GB
Mancini
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers