Examples of these combination drugs include hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan (Diovan HCT) and hydrochlorothiazide-losartan (Hyzaar). Blood vessels supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Angiotensin II is a hormone made by our body, and it tightens the muscles of our blood vessels. ACE inhibitors have similar properties to ARBs, and the drugs are often used interchangeably. ACE inhibitors also reduce the effect of angiotensin, but by decreasing the amount your body makes, rather than blocking receptors. For this constriction to happen, angiotensin II needs another protein (called a receptor) to bind to.

But some people produce too much of the protein due to heart disease, genetics or other issues. Bear in mind that your body may respond differently than other people’s to any medication. If you have side effects from your medication, tell your doctor immediately. Talk with them, weigh your options, and then decide on the best treatment plan for you. Valsartan and telmisartan have been found effective in reducing the risk of fatal MI and cardiovascular events. Studies have shown that exposure to ARBs during pregnancy can disturb embryo and fetus development and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in pregnant people.

This protein causes blood vessels to become too narrow, leading to high blood pressure. ARBs also treat heart failure and kidney disease and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The medicine relaxes blood vessels, so blood flows more freely. ARBs https://simple-accounting.org/ work by blocking the action of a natural chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor (causes blood vessels to constrict [narrow]). This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and poor blood flow through the kidneys.

In June 2011, further research by the FDA indicated no increased risk of developing cancer while taking an ARB. The earlier report included data from five clinical trials, while the FDA’s analysis included more than 30 studies. If you have kidney disease, ARBs may be one of the more effective treatments for high blood pressure. Some animal and human studies have also shown that ARBs may help protect against cognitive decline. For example, valsartan is suggested for heart failure and following a heart attack. Losartan may be best suited for heart failure, kidney damage related to diabetes, and stroke prevention.

1. Bear in mind that your body may respond differently than other people’s to any medication.
2. They include irbesartan, valsartan, losartan and candesartan.
3. In this scenario, you may become dehydrated and ARBs could then upset the kidneys.
4. We explain how they work, what they’re used for, and possible side effects.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARBs are an effective treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease and other conditions. The medications prevent angiotensin II proteins from binding to receptors in the blood which causes blood vessels to narrow. As a result, arb meaning blood vessels relax, allowing blood to move freely through the body. ARBs cause few problems, making them a good option for people who can’t take ACE inhibitors due to medication side effects. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) decrease the effects of angiotensin.

Medical Definition

After you start the drug, you’ll need another blood-test to check your kidney function. In some cases, ARBs can upset the kidneys, especially if the blood vessels to your kidneys are narrowed (renal artery stenosis). Because they reduce inflammation, ARBs are also useful in patients with high blood pressure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, to prevent liver inflammation. Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers stop the action of angiotensin 2. As a result, the medicine helps relax the veins and arteries in the body, lowering blood pressure. In July 2010, a meta-analysis of several clinical trials showed an increased cancer risk in people taking ARBs.

You shouldn’t take potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics with them. Potassium-sparing diuretics such as eplerenone (Inspra™) increase urination but prevent your body from eliminating excess potassium. Too much potassium can lead to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). High potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat and other heart problems. In rare instances, ARBs affect blood flow to the kidneys. This problem is more likely to occur if you already have renal artery disease.

However, binge drinking can lower blood pressure temporarily. If you’re taking blood pressure medication, this could cause light-headedness and even fainting. Some people taking the angiotensin 2 receptor blocker olmesartan (Benicar) have reported digestive problems. Talk to your health care team if you have severe diarrhea or lose a lot of weight while taking this medicine. Several angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.

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Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They are also used for chronic kidney disease and prescribed following a heart attack. They include irbesartan, valsartan, losartan and candesartan. If the name of a medicine ends in ‘sartan’, it is an ARB. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are typically used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They may also be prescribed following a heart attack.

ARBs can decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from a cardiac event. This puts blood under greater pressure as it’s forced to move through a smaller-than-normal space. When ARBs block angiotensin II, this reduces the tightening of blood vessels.

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This hormone has a powerful constricting effect on blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates salt and water retention in the body, which further increases blood pressure. When you’re taking blood pressure medicine, you should always check with your healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter medicines or supplements. Some medicines for allergies, coughs and colds, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase blood pressure. ARBs treat heart failure and high blood pressure and may be prescribed following a heart attack.

When your body has too much angiotensin, you start to retain fluids. Excess fluid retention causes your blood pressure to go up. And high blood pressure causes the blood vessels to contract or become narrow. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others.

If your blood pressure is high all the time, it can damage your heart and lead to other health problems. Salt substitutes such as ‘LoSalt’ contain potassium chloride, which can cause high blood potassium levels. A regular high alcohol intake can worsen high blood pressure, which could counteract the effect of your medication.

You’ll have occasional blood tests to check your kidney function. Healthcare providers often prescribe ARBs instead of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both types of drugs reduce the effects of angiotensin. However, specific ARBs may be recommended for other medical conditions, according to the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs. You may find ARBs combined with another drug such as hydrochlorothiazide. This is a diuretic drug that causes you to pass urine more often.

Numerous clinical trials have shown that ARBs lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, and slow down damage to the kidneys in people with reduced kidney function. They also reduce hospital admissions and improve life expectancy for people with heart failure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are medications that treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They are also called angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARBs. ARBs are typically used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Your liver produces angiotensin, one type of this protein. Enzymes made by your kidneys break down this protein into angiotensin I. Your blood carries angiotensin I through the kidneys and lungs. In the lungs, enzymes convert the protein into angiotensin II. Doctors can prescribe alternatives to ARBs for those planning a pregnancy.

Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors act on angiotensin II. But while ACE inhibitors limit the formation of angiotensin II, ARBs block certain receptors of angiotensin II. These receptors, known as AT1 receptors, are found in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. Angiotensin II also contributes to salt and water retention in our bodies.