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Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents
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Published on: July 3, 2013

End organ protection by calcium-channel blockers

D Tzivoni1

  • 1Bendheim Department of Cardiology, Jesselson Heart Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Clinical Cardiology
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) offer significant end-organ protection, particularly for the heart and kidneys. Studies show CCBs reduce left ventricular mass and preserve kidney function, especially in diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • End-organ protection is crucial in managing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Antihypertensive, anti-heart failure, and anti-ischemic medications are key therapeutic agents.
  • Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence on end-organ protective effects of CCBs.
  • To evaluate the impact of CCBs on cardiovascular and renal health.
  • To explore the potential antiatherogenic and antiplatelet properties of CCBs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CCB effects.
  • Analysis of studies involving normotensive and hypertensive patients.
  • Examination of data from diabetic patients and animal models.

Main Results:

  • Long-term CCB treatment reduced left ventricular mass and medial thickness.
  • CCBs improved endothelial function and preserved kidney function in diabetics.
  • Combination therapy with ACE inhibitors and CCBs enhanced kidney protection.

Conclusions:

  • CCBs demonstrate significant end-organ protective effects, including cardiac and renal benefits.
  • CCBs may offer advantages in patients with hypertension and diabetes.
  • Further research is needed to confirm antiatherogenic effects in humans.

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