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Calcium channels in the heart.

P A Poole-Wilson1

  • 1National Heart and Lung Institute and Hospitals, London, UK.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Calcium antagonists block calcium ion channels, reducing vascular tone and myocardial oxygen demand. They are primarily used for chronic angina and hypertension, with potential future uses in asymptomatic ischemia and heart failure.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Calcium ions play a crucial role in cellular contraction across various tissues.
  • Calcium influx through specific ion channels is essential for vascular smooth muscle and myocardial function.
  • Dysregulation of intracellular calcium is implicated in conditions like myocardial ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of action of calcium antagonists.
  • To explore their effects on vascular smooth muscle and cardiac function.
  • To discuss their therapeutic applications and potential future indications.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews the primary mechanism of action of calcium antagonists.
  • It examines their effects on ion channels in cell membranes.

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  • The review discusses hemodynamic effects and cellular calcium handling.

    • Main Results:

    • Calcium antagonists inhibit the slow influx of calcium into cells by binding to membrane channels.
    • In vascular smooth muscle, this leads to vasodilation and reduced tone.
    • In the heart, they increase coronary blood flow and decrease myocardial contractility, reducing oxygen consumption.

    Conclusions:

    • Calcium antagonists are effective in managing chronic angina and hypertension.
    • They reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, potentially benefiting myocardial ischemia.
    • While not shown to reduce infarct size, they may be useful for asymptomatic ischemia or mild heart failure.