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Calcium channel blockers and atherosclerosis

P D Henry1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Calcium channel blockers show promise in suppressing atherosclerosis progression. Clinical trials suggest these calcium antagonists may be beneficial in treating coronary artery disease, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Pharmacology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Calcium antagonists (calcium channel blockers) have demonstrated potential in animal models for suppressing atheroma formation.
  • Multiple proposed mechanisms underlie the antiatherosclerotic effects of calcium blockers, including effects on arterial pressure, lipoproteins, and cellular processes.
  • The precise mechanisms may involve both calcium channel blockade and other drug-binding interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of calcium channel blockers on the progression of coronary artery disease.
  • To synthesize evidence regarding the antiatherosclerotic properties of calcium antagonists.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing animal studies on calcium blockers and atheroma formation.
  • Analysis of results from two recent randomized, prospective clinical trials focused on coronary artery disease progression.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests calcium channel blockers can suppress atheroma formation in animal models.
  • Clinical trial results indicate that calcium channel blockers suppressed the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium channel blockers demonstrate potential in mitigating atherosclerosis progression.
  • Further clinical evaluation is necessary to establish the therapeutic utility of calcium channel blockers for treating atherosclerosis.

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