ANTIHYPERTENSIVE POTENCY OF MODERN CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKERS

Until now intervention studies in hypertension have only been carried out for beta blockers and diuretics. Nevertheless there are also quite good reasons for a widespread use of calcium channel blockers as mono or combination therapy of arterial hypertension. Calcium channel blockers exert excellent antihypertensive effects and are for good reasons considered as first-line-drugs. They influence the pathogenetic mechanism of arterial hypertension mainly by reducing the peripheral vascular resistance. Without interfering with crucial metabolic pathways or the electrolyte equilibrium, they simultaneously protect the vessels, prevent or diminish cardiac hypertrophy, maintain the kidney function and reduce the risk for cerebral insults. Although the available substances differ little in their antihypertensive potency, essential differences emerge in vascular selectivity, dosing intervals, contraindications and frequency or intensity of side effects. As it is well known, that hypertensive patients are not highly compliant - mainly due to the lack of symptoms - drugs should be prescribed, that may be administered once daily.