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Efficacy of Angiotensin receptor blockers in cardiovascular disease

Aldo P Maggioni1

  • 1ANMCO Research Center, Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists, Via La Marmora 34, 50121, Florence, Italy. maggioni@anmco.it

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
|August 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) effectively manage hypertension and show improved tolerability over ACE inhibitors. ARBs offer broad cardiovascular benefits, including in patients with diabetes, heart failure, and renal impairment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The cardiovascular continuum outlines the progression from risk factors to symptomatic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Early pharmacologic intervention can prevent or slow CVD development and enhance quality of life.
  • The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a critical role in CVD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of RAAS blockade, specifically Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), in managing the cardiovascular continuum.
  • To highlight the benefits of ARBs beyond blood pressure control.

Main Methods:

  • Review of numerous clinical trials evaluating ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
  • Analysis of data on ARB efficacy, tolerability, and specific patient populations.

Main Results:

  • ARBs are as effective as ACE inhibitors for hypertension, with better tolerability and adherence.
  • ARBs provide benefits in diabetes, heart failure, post-myocardial infarction, renal impairment, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Ongoing trials continue to explore ARB applications in CVD management.

Conclusions:

  • RAAS blockade with ARBs is a valuable strategy across the cardiovascular continuum.
  • ARBs offer significant therapeutic advantages, including improved patient adherence and broader organ protection.

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