With the introduction of the calcium channel blocker, Nifedipine, potent peripheral vasodilatation has been demonstrated. 1-22 Its main action is on the peripheral arterioles and venules with decreased peripheral resistance. Calcium affects most smooth muscle cells of the peripheral arteries and arterioles. Any small increase in the radius of a peripheral vessel or collateral increases the blood flow by an increment of four square. It is not surprising, therefore, that the calcium entry blocker exerts a vasodilatory effect. That effect varies with the intensity of the disease in the vascular bed in the different patients.
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