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.