The calcium paradox of essential hypertension

David A. Mccarron, Cynthia D. Morris, Richard Bukoski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three disparate observations-that calcium mediates vascular smooth muscle contraction, that calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure, and that increased dietary calcium intake can also ameliorate hypertension-constitute somewhat of a paradox. The complex interrelationships between calcium metabolism and essential hypertension are discussed in this review. Recent evidence suggests possible defects in intracellular calcium transport or in calcium binding in essential hypertension. This evidence, and the paradoxical therapeutic efficacy of both calcium channel blockers and supplemental dietary calcium, can be integrated into a single theoretic construct.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)27-33
Number of pages7
JournalThe American Journal of Medicine
Volume82
Issue number1 SUPPL. 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 26 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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