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Do calcium channel blockers have renal protective effects?
1University of Missouri School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia.
Drugs & Aging
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Calcium channel blockers effectively treat hypertension by lowering vascular resistance. Emerging research indicates these drugs also protect kidney function in various conditions, including diabetes and after transplants.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are primary antihypertensives due to peripheral vascular resistance reduction.
- Growing evidence suggests CCBs may offer renal protective benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of calcium channel blockers on renal function in hypertensive patients.
- To assess CCB efficacy in diverse renal conditions, including diabetic nephropathy and post-transplant scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies in animal models of hypertension.
- Analysis of clinical trials involving hypertensive humans with varying renal statuses.
- Examination of data on renal hemodynamics, plasma flow, and glomerular filtration rates.
Main Results:
- CCBs demonstrated reduced renal vascular resistance across studies.
- Preservation or enhancement of renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate was observed.
- Reduced urinary protein excretion noted in diabetic patients treated with CCBs.
Conclusions:
- Calcium channel blockers appear beneficial for hypertensive patients with renal impairment.
- CCBs show promise in managing hypertensive renal disease and diabetic nephropathy.
- These agents are suitable for elderly hypertensive patients, a population often with renal compromise.