Is there a rationale for combining angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium antagonists in cardiovascular disease?
Author(s): Ruschitzka FT, Luscher TF Affiliation(s): Cardiovascular Research University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. Publication date & source: 1997-08, Am Heart J., 134(2 Pt 2):S31-47. Publication type: Review Coronary artery disease and its sequelae remain the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. Because the pathophysiologic characteristics of coronary artery disease are multifactorial, impairment of endothelial function featuring enhanced vasoconstriction, increased platelet vessel wall interaction, adherence of monocytes, migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells are crucially involved. Endothelial cells release numerous vasoactive substances regulating function of vascular smooth muscle and trafficking blood cells such as nitric oxide (NO), which is a potent vasodilator also inhibiting cellular growth and migration. In addition, NO possesses antiatherogenic and thromboresistant properties by preventing platelet aggregation and c
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