Calcium channel blockers and the prevention of atherosclerosis.

The presence of calcium in atherosclerotic plaques has long been recognized; however, its role in plaque formation is not yet fully elucidated. Over the past decade, investigators have studied the effects of various calcium channel blockers on atherogenesis in animals and have demonstrated that such agents may retard plaque formation. Recent studies in patients with coronary artery disease have demonstrated that the calcium channel blocker nifedipine may impede or prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques in humans as well.