2-(Amino or methyl)-6-(methyl or amino)-4-(substituted phenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid esters have a specific class of heterocyclic groups as thealcohol moiety. These compounds have a variety of valuable activities, including antihypertensive and Ca.sup.++ -blocking activities, leading to their use for the treatment of circulatory and coronary disorders. They may be prepared by condensation of appropriate substituted benzylideneacetoacetic acid esters with appropriate amidinoacetic acid esters.