Is there a role for calcium channel blockers in congestive heart failure?

Over the past several decades, we have made great strides in understanding the pathophysiology of heart failure and have developed new therapeutic targets based on utilizing several different models in clinical trials. Currently, standard therapy involves angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers. In an effort to further reduce mortality, investigators focused on other vasodilators (calcium channel blockers) that might prove to be advantageous when added to standard therapy. Large- scale trials showed that the calcium channel blockers did not have a specific role in mortality reduction, but the third-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers were safe to use in patients with heart failure.