PMID: 16640170Apr 28, 2006Paper

Calcium channel blockers and stroke

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
D Inzitari, Anna Poggesi

Abstract

The most frequent indication for Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) is their use as antihypertensive agents for primary or secondary stroke prevention. Hypertension contributes to virtually all mechanisms of stroke, of atherothrombotic, lacunar, cardioembolic and intraparenchymal hemorrhage types. In comparison with the rather univocal mechanisms underlying coronary artery or peripheral artery disease, the variable mechanisms of stroke are the main reason explaining not only the different impact of vascular risk factors, but also the different effects of drugs given for prevention. In an acute stroke setting, lowering blood pressure is potentially harmful, especially if it is carried out using short-acting dihydropyridine derivatives. Some CCBs, such as nicardipine, are preferred in certain conditions (including acute thrombolysis). In stroke, CCBs may also play a role as neuroprotectants. Then twofold effect--against vessel wall changes and as neuroprotectants (after ischemia or degenerative insults)--make this class of drugs of interest for their possible application in the setting of dementias, particularly that of vascular dementia. Some CCBs have been tested and are of benefit when used for preventing or treating cerebral vas...Continue Reading

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