[Calcium antagonists in the treatment of chronic arterial hypertension and hypertensive crisis].

Elevated peripheral vascular resistance is usually significant in patients with arterial hypertension. Peripheral vasodilation is caused by calcium antagonists and thus elevated blood pressure can be lowered effectively. Primarily verapamil (i.v.) and nifedipine (sublingual) have been proved to be effective in hypertensive crises. A similar effect of lowering the blood pressure is caused in chronic arterial hypertension by the calcium antagonists verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, which seems to correspond to the effect of beta-blockers. Side effects are rare and in most cases innocuous and passing.