Cardiovascular diseases, blood rheology, and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists

Over the last 10 years, accumulating evidence has confirmed the ability of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists to improve red blood cell deformability. In this review of the literature, particular attention is paid to results obtained with isradipine, a second-generation derivative of the 1,4-dihydropyridine family. Isradipine appears to be more selective in various pharmacological properties, well tolerated, easy to administer, and effective in controlling blood pressure and reducing the frequency of ischemic events. While manifesting these desirable attributes, isradipine retains an unimpaired ability to improve red blood cell deformability. It is suggested that the therapeutic efficacy of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists is attributable, at least in part, to their ability to affect blood rheology by improving red blood cell deformability.