EFFECTS OF DIHYDROPYRIDINES ON CEREBRAL BLOOD-VESSELS

Aim: To evaluate the effects of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists on the cerebral circulation in stroke patients. Design of studies: Mean cerebral circulation parameters were studied in chronic stroke patient s with hypertension and treated acutely or chronically (2 weeks) with nicardipine or nifedipine retard. The effects of nicardipine on local cerebral blood flow were also studied in patients with a subacute brai n infarction. Results: Mean cerebral blood flow was significantly incr eased after a single oral administration of nicardipine but not after nifedipine retard. Both calcium antagonists reduced mean arterial pres sure. Nifedipine retard acted mainly by reducing blood pressure and ni cardipine mainly by reducing cerebrovascular resistance. Conclusion: D ihydropyridines have a beneficial effect in the control of hypertensio n in stroke patients.