Treatment Options

Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and causes the kidneys to retain more fluid. The main function of angiotensin II is to increase the blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) inhibit the effects of angiotensin II by blocking the receptor, thereby reducing constriction and helping to reduce blood pressure.

Additionally, after a heart attack, the heart muscle tends to overcompensate for the damage that was caused by the infarction. This overcompensation can lead to an increase in heart muscle thickness and size which can then make the heart function less efficiently, eventually leading to heart failure (inability of the heart to effectively pump blood). ARBs help to minimize this overcompensation and help prevent progression to heart failure. ARBs are mainly used when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated by the individual.

Drugs in the class

Telmisartan (Micardis)

Eprosartan (Teveten)

Irbesartan (Avapro)

Valsartan (Diovan)

Olmesartan (Benicar)

Candesartan (Atacand)

Losartan (Cozaar)