[Calcium antagonists: current and future applications based on new evidence. Calcium channel blockers and JSH2009]

Abstract

Japanese Society of Hypertension Committee published Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension in 2009 (JSH2009). The first choices of antihypertensive drugs are calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-adrenergic blockers. Because dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers have the greatest hypotensive efficacy without affecting organ blood flow, they are indicated in the patients with complications and the aged. Positive indications of calcium channel blockers are left ventricular hypertrophy, tachycardia (non-dihydropyridine), angina pectoris, chronic phase of cerebrovascular disease, and elderly patients. Patients with bradycardia are contraindicated by non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.