Antiatherosclerotic effects of calcium channel blockers.

Hypertension is a constellation of abnormalities, including metabolic disorders. The current approach to treatment of hypertension should not be dictated solely by measures to lower blood pressure. It must also take into consideration the effect of antihypertensive drug treatment on the development of atherosclerosis and many other important factors. Evidence from rabbit models and cell cultures indicates that calcium channel blockers are antiatherogenic through a variety of mechanisms. In addition to preserving endothelial function, these agents inhibit the following: Platelet aggregation Migration of monocytes and smooth-muscle cells into the intima Incorporation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol into these cells Matrix formation Calcium overload in atherosclerotic lesions However, additional studies are needed to delineate the antiatherogenic effects of these and other antihypertensive agents.