role of calcium channel blockers in treatment of coronary artery disease

ABSTRACT

Calcium antagonists are useful adjuvant therapy in the management of patients will coronary artery disease. All the three classes of calcium channel blockers [CCB] are safe and effective in chronics stable angina. In unstable angina, CCB complement the actions of nitrates, aspirin, and betablockers. Asymptomatic [silent] myocardial ischemia and total ischemic burden are reduced by CCB,when used alone, nifedipine is deleterious in acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and unstable angina and has no role in secondary prophylaxis after AMI. Diltiazem of verapamil may be considered for secondary prophylaxis, if betablockers are contraindicated, ventricular functions are good and in the patient with non Q wave myocardial infarction