Calcium antagonists in clinical practice: focus on metabolic and vascular effects

The efficacy of calcium antagonists widely used in cardiological practice is proved both by placebo-controlled studies and in comparative trials with end-point control. Calcium antagonists are the most effective vasoprotective medicines. In our study we had shown antihypertensive efficacy and ability to improve endotheliumfunction of non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, diltiazem(AltiazemRR). AltiazemRR can be drug of choice in wide profile of patients with arterial hypertension, especially in those with concomitant metabolic abnormalities, diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease.