Efficacy and safety of calcium channel blockers in hypertensive patients with concomitant left ventricular dysfunction.

The use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in the treatment of hypertension and concomitant left ventricular dysfunction is reviewed. Some CCBs, particularly second-generation dihydropyridine agents such as felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, and nitrendipine, have properties that enhance their usefulness in these patients. All CCBs have a similar mechanism of action. Differences in their selective action at various tissue sites determine which are most appropriate for patients with concomitant hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction. Most CCBs do not produce reflex stimulation of the heart or induce intravascular expansion. While all CCBs produce arteriolar dilation, all local beds and regional circulations in target organs are not affected equally. Most CCBs can decrease cardiac mass, and second-generation CCBs tend to have little or no negative inotropic effects at therapeutic dosages. In addition, they increase blood flow and reduce myocardial oxygen requirements. Because of differences in functional and electrophysiologic effects, specific CCBs may not be appropriate for all patients. Since second-generation dihydropyridine CCBs lack clinically relevant negative inotropic effects, and have been shown to improve exercise tolerance and coronary artery perfusion, they are appropriate for hypertensive patients with left ventricular dysfunction, angina, and coronary heart disease. Second-generation CCBs tend to lack cardiodepressant side effects and are less likely to react with digoxin than are first-generation CCBs.