ARBs

Definition

ARBs, or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, are a class of medications primarily used to manage high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to lower blood pressure and reduced strain on the heart. ARBs are significant in treating cardiovascular conditions because they help improve heart function and reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ARBs are often prescribed for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects like cough or angioedema.
2. Common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, and candesartan, which vary in their potency and duration of action.
3. These medications not only lower blood pressure but also provide renal protection for patients with diabetic nephropathy.
4. ARBs can be used in combination with other antihypertensive agents for better control of blood pressure.
5. Monitoring kidney function is important when using ARBs, as they can affect renal hemodynamics.

Review Questions

• How do ARBs influence blood pressure regulation and heart function?
  • ARBs influence blood pressure regulation by blocking the action of angiotensin II, which normally constricts blood vessels. By preventing this constriction, ARBs lead to vasodilation, resulting in lower blood pressure. Additionally, by reducing the workload on the heart, ARBs help improve overall heart function and can prevent complications related to hypertension.
• Compare and contrast ARBs with ACE inhibitors in terms of their mechanism of action and side effects.
  • Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors aim to lower blood pressure by interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. However, while ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, ARBs directly block the receptors that angiotensin II binds to. This difference in mechanism leads to fewer side effects with ARBs; for example, they typically do not cause a persistent cough, which is a common issue with ACE inhibitors.
• Evaluate the clinical implications of using ARBs in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
  • The use of ARBs in patients with comorbidities like diabetes and chronic kidney disease is clinically significant due to their protective effects on renal function. ARBs not only help manage hypertension but also reduce proteinuria and slow the progression of kidney disease. This dual benefit makes them an essential part of treatment plans for these patients, as managing blood pressure is critical in preventing further complications related to both cardiovascular health and renal function.

Related terms

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: A class of medications that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, effectively lowering blood pressure and helping with heart failure.

Hypertension: A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, which can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases if untreated.

Vasodilation: The process by which blood vessels widen, decreasing vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure, often a result of ARB medication.