["Dynamic" component of carotid artery stenosis in patients with cerebrovascular disorders]

Nifedipine is shown to abolish contraction of the vessel at the site of the internal carotid artery stenosis induced by a cold test. It can furthermore produce a direct 5-40% reduction of the stenosis, the effect being dependent both on the drug plasma level and the ability to rise such levels of prostacyclin. In some patients there is a possibility of nifedipine contrary action when it promotes stenosis (up to 5-30% increase) and leads to disturbances of cerebral circulation. Consequently, to make optimal therapeutic measures in relevant patients nifedipine should be tried for stenosis-directed action.