Given the consistent findings from clinical trials that calcium-channel blockers administered following myocardial infarction do not decrease the risk of death or reinfarction, and that some drugs of this class may actually increase the risk, it is unlikely that future trials of this therapy in women will be conducted. Yet the calcium-channel blockers are used with increasing frequency in women following myocardial infarction. The only ethical method of conducting studies of the safety of these drugs in women is through observational studies. Data from the study can help to guide clinical practice and can assist in the design of appropriate secondary prevention trials in women.