[Bone and calcium update; research of calcium metabolism on cardiovascular system update. Calcium channel blocker update].

Voltage-dependent calcium channels are divided into L type, T type, and N type. L type calcium channel blockers are widely used for treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. However, recent experimental and clinical findings suggest that not only L type calcium channel but also T and N type calcium cannels are possibly involved in cardiovascular diseases, through activation of sympathetic nervous system or aldosterone release. Therefore, it is proposed that L type calcium channel blockade combined with T type or N type calcium channel blockade may have additive benefits in preventing cardiovascular and renal diseases. Further future study is needed to clarify class effect and drug effect of each calcium channel blocker.