Calcium antagonists as cardioprotective agents.

The potential role that calcium antagonists play toward enhancing cardioprotection is discussed, while recognizing that they are much more heterogeneous than other classes of antihypertensive or antianginal agents. Similarities and differences between the mechanisms of action and clinical effects of individual drugs are discussed. Among these is the ability of some of them to reduce left ventricular hypertrophy rapidly while simultaneously and uniquely increasing right ventricular wall thickness. Although the clinical importance of this as a potential cardioprotective effect is undetermined, the renal protective effect of some calcium antagonists is discussed in detail.