[Angiotensin II antagonists: a distinct therapeutic class]

Angiotensin II antagonists are a promising new class of antihypertensive agents. Unlike angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, these new agents block the renin-angiotensin system by acting directly on the angiotensin II receptor. It is quite probable that these agents will become a first line therapeutic choice for hypertensive patients. Current clinical trials on primary prevention may confirm the indications for this new therapeutic class in a near feature.