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Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Find out more about this class of medication.
By Mayo Clinic staffAngiotensin II receptor blockers help relax your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Angiotensin II is a natural substance in your body that affects your cardiovascular system in many ways, such as by narrowing your blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also starts the release of a hormone that increases the amount of sodium and water in your body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Angiotensin II can also thicken and stiffen the walls of your blood vessels and heart.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II. That allows blood vessels to widen (dilate).
Examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers
Several angiotensin II receptor blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers include:
- Candesartan (Atacand)
- Eprosartan (Teveten)
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
(1 of 2)
- Reeder GS. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers in acute myocardial infarction: Recommendations for use. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Colucci WS. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers in heart failure: Mechanisms of action. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Initial antihypertensive therapy: Drugdex Consults. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com/. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=159. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Sheps SG, ed. Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research;2008:190.
