Differential Effects of Calcium-Channel Blockers on Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients With Coronary Spastic Angina

Abstract

Benidipine, but not diltiazem or verapamil, improves endothelial dysfunction beyond blood pressure lowering effects in patients with coronary vasospasm. Upregulation of the nitric oxide - cGMP system by benidipine may partly contribute to the improvement. The dihydropyridine class may be more beneficial for vascular endothelial function than the non-dihydropyridine classes of CCBs.