Calcium antagonists in the therapy of acute myocardial infarction

The theoretical background and experimental evidence of the use of calcium antagonists in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction are summarised. The main clinical trials that have studied the effects of the three different groups of these drugs in patients with myocardial necrosis are then reviewed. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that there is no proof of the efficacy of calcium blockers in the therapy of patients with acute myocardial infarction but that, in some subgroups of these subjects (Q-wave myocardial infarction with good left ventricular function, non Q-wave myocardial infarction), non-dihydropyridinic compounds should be effective, in particular in patients with contraindications to beta-adrenergic blockade.