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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Assessment of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Reserve and Intracellular Diastolic Calcium Removal in Isolated Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
11:00

Assessment of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Reserve and Intracellular Diastolic Calcium Removal in Isolated Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Published on: September 18, 2017

The effects of calcium-entry blockade on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function

R A Walsh

    Circulation
    |June 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Calcium entry-blocking agents affect heart and blood vessel function by altering calcium flow. Their cardiovascular effects involve a balance of direct and indirect actions, with variations among drugs like diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Cardiovascular Physiology

    Background:

    • Calcium entry-blocking agents are crucial in cardiovascular medicine.
    • Their primary mechanism involves inhibiting calcium flux in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the hemodynamic properties of calcium entry-blocking agents.
    • To elucidate the interplay between direct and indirect cardiovascular effects.
    • To compare the distinct properties of available agents (diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil).

    Main Methods:

    • Review of basic and clinical investigations.
    • Analysis of pharmacological actions on myocardial and vascular smooth muscle.
    • Assessment of drug interactions with baseline cardiocirculatory status.

    Main Results:

    • Calcium entry-blockers primarily act by inhibiting transcellular calcium flux.
    • Cardiovascular effects result from a complex interplay of myocardial depression and vasodilation.
    • Agents like diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil exhibit varying negative inotropic, vasodilator, and reflex properties.

    Conclusions:

    • The hemodynamic effects of calcium entry-blocking agents are multifaceted.
    • Individual agent properties and patient's cardiocirculatory status significantly influence outcomes.
    • Understanding these nuances is critical for effective clinical application.

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