CALCIUM-CHANNEL ANTAGONISTS - MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY - WHATS THE EVIDENCE

Recent studies have shown an association between the use of calcium ch annel antagonists for the treatment of hypertension and an increased r isk of myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and cancer. The interpretation of the results of these studies and their applicati on to clinical practice requires an understanding of study design cons traints, conflicting results and limitations in extrapolating study fi ndings to other dosage strengths, formulations or agents within the ca lcium channel antagonist dass. A review and critique of these studies provides background information on the controversial subject of using calcium channel antagonists for the treatment of hypertension. Despite the limitations of these studies, clinicians may want to select other classes of agents, including diuretics and beta blockers, as first-li ne therapy until the morbidity and mortality effects related to the us e of calcium channel-antagonists are clearly known.