Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

What is an angiotensin receptor blocker?

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are drugs that help relax blood vessels. Relaxing blood vessels allows blood to flow more easily and lowers the blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure reduces or prevents heart attacks or strokes and makes it easier to treat heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is either too weak or too damaged to pump blood properly. ARBs appear to decrease the amount of damage to the heart muscle following a heart attack. Reducing blood pressure also helps low the progress of kidney disease.

Candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan) are examples of ARBs. Which one is best for you depends on your condition and health.

How do ARBs work?

Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict, or squeeze. This narrows the internal diameter of blood vessels. The body uses this chemical to help regulate the blood pressure. It makes the blood vessels constrict when blood pressure needs to be higher. In some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) too much of this chemical is produced. This can cause high blood pressure and increase the workload of the heart and other organs. ARBs block the action of this chemical.

When are ARBs used?

ARBs are used to control high blood pressure, treat heart failure, and prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. ARBs may be used alone or with other drugs.

Poor pumping ability of the heart leads to buildup of fluid in body tissues and the lungs (heart failure). Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, and shortness of breath are common. ARBs relieve these symptoms by reducing blood pressure to ease the workload of the heart. They can help prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes.

ARBs are commonly prescribed when people can't take ACE inhibitors. ARBs have a fewer side effects than ACE inhibitors, but usually are more expensive.

What should be monitored while taking ARBs?

Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure regularly. Checks of your blood potassium level may be necessary. If you have heart failure, you also need to limit your salt intake and to weigh yourself regularly.

Report these side effects to your healthcare provider right away:

• chest pain
• severe dizziness or fainting
• skin rashes
• muscle weakness
• swelling of the tissues in your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat, especially if it interferes with breathing.

Not all of the ARBs have the same side effects. If you develop symptoms while on the drug, contact your healthcare provider right away. Fortunately, most people taking the drug have no symptoms.