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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
Combined renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition in patients with chronic heart failure secondary to left
Alan H Gradman1, Vasilios Papademetriou
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA15224-1722, USA. gradmanmd@aol.com
Insights
Heart failure (HF) affects millions, with rising prevalence and costs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can improve outcomes for patients with HF, particularly those with hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing, impacting millions with high mortality rates.
- Older adults (≥65 years) experience a higher incidence of HF, projecting increased personal and economic burdens.
- Hypertension is a major comorbidity in over 75% of HF patients, highlighting the need for effective blood pressure management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical data on the efficacy of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors in managing heart failure.
- To discuss the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in improving HF outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data and scientific literature.
- Analysis of pharmacological interventions targeting the RAAS pathway.
Main Results:
- Blood pressure control in hypertensive HF patients reduces cardiovascular events and mortality.
- RAAS blockade mitigates detrimental effects of chronic RAAS activation on HF progression.
- ACEIs and ARBs, used alone or in combination, demonstrate benefits in HF patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- ACEIs and ARBs are crucial in managing heart failure, especially in patients with hypertension.
- Targeting the RAAS pathway offers a significant therapeutic strategy for improving HF prognosis.
- Combined use of ACEIs and ARBs may provide additive benefits for HF patients.
Abstract:
The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is high and still on the rise. In 2004, an estimated 5.2 million adults in the United States carried the diagnosis of HF with a mortality rate of >19%. The incidence of HF is higher in individuals 65 years or older. As the US population grows older, the personal and economic costs of this disease are expected to grow. More than 75% of patients with HF have a history of hypertension, and blood pressure control can reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events and death in this population. In addition to lowering blood pressure, blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system can reduce the negative effects of chronic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation on the progression of HF. This review discusses the clinical data supporting the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptors blockers, alone or in combination, for improving outcomes in patients with HF.
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