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Coadministration of calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors--is a skeptic convinced?: a personal view
1University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
The pathological chain of events that stretches from the earliest atheromatous lesion to end-stage myocardial failure and death is amenable to attack in many places. It may well prove that a multifaceted intervention offers the best therapeutic option. Two important cardiovascular therapies, the calcium entry blockers and ACE inhibitors, may offer more than their effects on vascular tone and remodeling. Both have actions on the basic process of atheroma. Individually, or more challengingly in combination, they may strike at the basic pathogenesis of atherosclerosis yet still provide their more general beneficial effect on vasomotor tone. Whilst clinical data are yet scant, there is a plausible biological basis for their coprescription.
Insights
Calcium entry blockers and ACE inhibitors may offer novel therapeutic benefits beyond vascular tone by targeting atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Further research into their combined use for cardiovascular disease is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis progresses from early lesions to myocardial failure.
- Cardiovascular disease necessitates multifaceted therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of calcium entry blockers and ACE inhibitors in targeting atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- To investigate the combined therapeutic effects of these drug classes on cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on calcium entry blockers and ACE inhibitors.
- Analysis of plausible biological mechanisms underlying their action on atheroma.
Main Results:
- Both drug classes demonstrate actions on the fundamental processes of atheroma formation.
- Potential for these therapies to impact atherosclerosis pathogenesis beyond vascular tone and remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Calcium entry blockers and ACE inhibitors may offer a dual benefit in treating cardiovascular disease by addressing both vasomotor tone and atheroma progression.
- Coprescription warrants further clinical investigation due to a plausible biological basis.