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Effects of dihydropyridines on cerebral blood vessels
Y Kuriyama1, H Hashimoto, K Nagatsuka
1National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
Insights
Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists like nicardipine can improve cerebral blood flow in stroke patients. These drugs help manage hypertension by reducing blood pressure and cerebrovascular resistance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stroke patients often have hypertension, which complicates cerebral circulation.
- Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists are commonly used to manage hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists on cerebral circulation in stroke patients.
- To compare the effects of nicardipine and nifedipine retard on cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular resistance.
Main Methods:
- A study involving chronic stroke patients with hypertension.
- Acute and chronic (2-week) treatment with nicardipine or nifedipine retard.
- Measurement of mean cerebral circulation parameters and local cerebral blood flow.
Main Results:
- Nicardipine significantly increased mean cerebral blood flow after single oral administration, unlike nifedipine retard.
- Both drugs reduced mean arterial pressure.
- Nicardipine primarily reduced cerebrovascular resistance, while nifedipine retard mainly lowered blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists demonstrate a beneficial effect in managing hypertension among stroke patients.
- Nicardipine shows promise in improving cerebral blood flow by reducing cerebrovascular resistance.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists on the cerebral circulation in stroke patients. DESIGN OF STUDIES: Mean cerebral circulation parameters were studied in chronic stroke patients with hypertension and treated acutely or chronically (2 weeks) with nicardipine or nifedipine retard. The effects of nicardipine on local cerebral blood flow were also studied in patients with a subacute brain infarction.
Results:
Mean cerebral blood flow was significantly increased after a single oral administration of nicardipine but not after nifedipine retard. Both calcium antagonists reduced mean arterial pressure. Nifedipine retard acted mainly by reducing blood pressure and nicardipine mainly by reducing cerebrovascular resistance.
Conclusion:
Dihydropyridines have a beneficial effect in the control of hypertension in stroke patients.