Calcium channel blocker and cardiac hypertrophy

Calcium channel blockers are commonly treated to the patients with hypertension. Epidemiological studies suggest that cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Long-acting calcium channel blockers, but not short-acting calcium channel blockers had moderately beneficial and statistically indistinguishable effects on regression of LV hypertrophy. Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension (JSH 2004) recommended to treat A II receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers against the hypertensive patients with cardiac hypertrophy. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanism how calcium channel blockers reduce cardiac hypertrophy.