Angiotensin receptor blockers can be an alternative to ACE inhibitors.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure, and also may be used to help prevent the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (a type of heart arrhythmia), and kidney failure in people with hypertension or diabetes. There is some evidence that they also may be associated with a decrease in the occurrence and progression of dementia and a lower risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Commonly prescribed ARBs include losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan (Micardis) and valsartan (Diovan) and they also are available in combination form with other antihypertensives and with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. ARBs work by targeting one of the body’s natural chemical messengers, angiotensin II.…

Subscribers:
View the Full Story

Non-subscribers:
Purchase Selection or begin your FREE 14-day trial subscription to heart-advisor.com