Calcium-channel blockers for combined angina pectoris and systemic hypertension.

Calcium-channel blockers have been successfully used in the treatment of angina of effort and systemic hypertension. Many patients present with concomitant angina pectoris and hypertension. Controlled clinical trials demonstrate that the calcium-channel blockers are safe and effective as monotherapy in the treatment of these patients, and that their use compares favorably with that of propranolol. The effectiveness of these agents in hypertension appears to be primarily due to their ability to induce systemic vasodilation. Calcium-channel blockers have several therapeutic effects in angina pectoris. Beneficial actions on the major determinants of oxygen consumption, i.e. heart rate, blood pressure and contractility, are generally seen. The potent coronary vasodilating actions of these agents allow for increased coronary blood flow. Improvements in ventricular compliance, regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and cardioprotection appear to be additional effects of the calcium-channel blockers; their contribution to the drugs' overall therapeutic efficacy is presently being evaluated. Calcium-channel blockers are a welcome addition to drug regimens available for the management of patients with coexisting angina pectoris and hypertension.