Hypertension Update
Calcium Channel Blockers and Renal Protection 2193 View(s)

Calcium channel blockers have been widely used in clinical practice because of their antihypertensive capacity. Prevention of renal damage is a very important aim of antihypertensive therapy. This is particularly so taking into account the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, particularly angina pectoris, arrhythmias, and arterial hypertension. Their beneficial effects are related to systemic vasodilation caused by the inhibition of the inward flow of calcium ions through the L-type calcium channels in the cell membrane. Three main classes of CCB are in current use: The benzothiazepines (diltiazem), phenylalkylamines (verapamil), and dihydropiridines (nifedipine, amlodipine, and others)....

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