Calcium Channel Blockers and Atherosclerosis

There is evidence that calcium antagonists (calcium channel blockers) may suppress atheroma formation in animals fed high-fat diets. Studies on the antiatherosclerotic effects of calcium blockers have suggested a variety of possible mechanisms: (a) lowering of arterial pressure, (b) decrease in atherogenic plasma lipoproteins, (c) suppression of accumulation of intracellular lipids, (d) suppression of atherogenic platelet dysfunction, (e) prevention of dyslipidemic endothelial injury, (f) inhibition of chemotaxis and cell migration, (g) inhibition of cell proliferation, (h) inhibition of deposition of matrix proteins, (i) suppression of tissue mineralization, and (j) retardation of cell necrosis. Although it is tempting to ascribe the antiatherosclerotic effects of calcium blockers to a blockade of calcium channels, other possible common mechanisms of action involving low-affinity drug-binding sites must be considered. Recently, two randomized, prospective clinical trials designed to determine the effects of calcium channel blockers on the progression of coronary artery disease have been completed. Results of the trials suggest that calcium channel blockers suppressed the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The utility of calcium channel blockers for the treatment of atherosclerosis will require further evaluation.