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.