Comparing calcium channel blockers with other drugs for treatment of hypertension

First‐line CCBs do not affect total mortality as compared with other antihypertensive drug classes.

First‐line CCBs reduce major cardiovascular events, stroke and cardiovascular mortality as compared with beta‐blockers.

First‐line CCBs increase major cardiovascular and congestive heart failure events as compared with diuretics.

First‐line CCBs reduce stroke as compared with ACE inhibitors, and reduce myocardial infarction as compared with angiotensin II receptor blockers, but they increase congestive heart failure events as compared with both ACE inhibitors and ARBs.

The review shows an advantage of diuretics over CCBs in reducing major cardiovascular mortality and congestive heart failure events. Evidence supports CCBs over beta‐blockers in reducing major cardiovascular events, stroke and cardiovascular mortality.