Calcium-Channel Antagonists for Prevention of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the current literature regarding the role of calcium-channel antagonists in preventing atherosclerosis. DATA SOURCES: English language clinical studies, abstracts, conference proceedings, and review articles pertaining to calcium-channel antagonists and atherosclerosis. STUDY SELECTION: Relevant animal and human studies examining the role of calcium-channel antagonists in atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. DATA EXTRACTION: Potential mechanisms for the development of atherosclerosis and the use of calcium antagonists for preventing and treating coronary artery disease are discussed. Animal studies are summarized; next, significant data from human clinical studies are presented. DATA SYNTHESIS: Available studies are described and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Results from animal and clinical trials in humans suggest that calcium antagonists may retard the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, most clinical trials to date have been conducted in patients with proven atherosclerotic plaques. Further studies examining the role of calcium-channel antagonists in preventing and treating atherosclerosis are needed, but may be difficult to conduct because of the large numbers of patients required, long trial duration, and associated costs.