Pharmacological Effects on the Cardiovascular System

PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

The effects of the prototypical calcium channel blockers are seen most prominently in the cardiovascular system (Table 19.1), although calcium channels are widely dis-tributed among excitable cells. The following calcium channel–blocking drugs are clinically the most widely used compounds in this very extensive class of pharma-cological agents: amlodipine, diltiazem, isradipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, and verapamil.

Vascular Effects

Vascular tone and contraction are determined largely by the availability of calcium from extracellular sources (influx via calcium channels) or intracellular stores. Drug-induced inhibition of calcium influx via voltage-gated channels results in widespread dilation and a de-crease in contractile responses to stimulatory agents. In general, arteries and arterioles are more sensitive to the relaxant actions of these drugs than are the veins, and some arterial beds (e.g., coronary and cerebral ves-sels) show greater sensitivity than others. Peripheral vasodilation and the consequent fall in blood pressure are commonly accompanied by reflex tachycardia when nifedipine and its analogues are used; this is in contrast to verapamil and diltiazem, whose effects on peripheral vessels are accompanied by cardiodepres-sant effects.

Cardiac Effects

Calcium currents in cardiac tissues serve the functions of inotropy, pacemaker activity (sinoatrial (SA) node), and conduction at the atrioventricular (A-V) node. In principle, the blockade of calcium currents should result in decreased function at these sites. 

In clinical use, however, dose-dependent depression is seen only with vera-pamil and diltiazem and not with nifedipine, reflecting mainly differences in the kinetics of their interaction at calcium channels (see section on calcium antagonism). Characteristic cardiac effects include a variable slowing of the heart rate, strong depression of conduction at the A-V node, and inhibition of contractility, especially in the presence of preexisting heart failure.