Anti-atherosclerotic effects of calcium antagonists: a brief review

Drugs influencing calcium metabolism in animals fed high-fat diets may modify the progression of atherosclerosis. Agents that enhance calcium transport (catecholamines, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone) may accelerate atherogenesis. Conversely, agents with calcium chelating (diphosphonic acid and thiophene carboxylic acid derivatives), calcium channel blocking (dihydropyridine derivatives, verapamil and its derivatives, diltiazem), and anti-adrenergic (beta-blockers) properties have been demonstrated to suppress atherogenesis in rabbits and monkeys. Possible mechanisms of action include lowering of arterial pressure, minor changes in circulating lipoproteins, altered receptor-dependent lipoprotein uptake and lipoprotein metabolism, inhibition of cell migration and cell proliferation, and non-specific protection of injured cells in atheromatous lesions.