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The calcium antagonists in vasospastic angina
1University of Miami, Division of Cardiology, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
Insights
Calcium antagonists are the primary treatment for vasospastic angina. Amlodipine, a long-acting calcium antagonist, shows promise as a well-tolerated and effective option for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronary vasospasm is a key cause of angina at rest.
- Calcium antagonists are established as the preferred treatment for vasospastic angina due to their vasodilatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine in patients with vasospastic angina.
- To assess the potential of amlodipine as a preferred calcium antagonist for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on calcium antagonists for vasospastic angina.
- Analysis of preliminary evidence regarding amlodipine's use in vasospastic angina.
Main Results:
- Most available calcium antagonists are effective and safe for vasospastic angina.
- Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine suitable for once-daily dosing.
- Preliminary data suggest amlodipine is efficacious and well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine demonstrates potential as a preferred treatment for vasospastic angina.
- Factors like duration of action and patient compliance are crucial in therapy selection.
- Further evidence supports amlodipine's role in managing vasospastic angina.
Abstract:
Coronary vasospasm is an important pathophysiologic mechanism of angina at rest. Because the calcium antagonists are potent vasodilators, they have become widely used and are now considered the treatment of choice for vasospastic angina. Practically all currently available calcium antagonists in the United States have been shown to be efficacious and safe for the therapy of vasospastic angina. However, because spontaneous remissions are common and angina attacks can frequently occur during the nighttime, considerations such as the duration of action of a given agent, the duration of treatment, and patient compliance have become important in the selection of the most appropriate therapy. Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine derivative that is suitable for use as a once-daily calcium antagonist. There is preliminary evidence that amlodipine is efficacious and well tolerated in vasospastic angina. Amlodipine, therefore, has the potential to become the preferred calcium antagonist for this condition.
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