Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

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Angiotensin II receptor blockers also known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and post heart attack patients.

According to Mayo Clinic, angiotensin II is a natural substance in the body that affects the cardiovascular system in many ways, such as by narrowing the blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that increases your body's retention of sodium and water, which can lead to increased blood pressure. It can also thicken and stiffen the walls of your blood vessels and the heart.

Basically, these medications block the action of angiotensing II allowing the blood vessels to dilate (widen). It seems that these type of medications do the same thing that ace inhibitors do but, that’s not the case.

Here is the difference:
Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II.
ACE inhibitors block the actual production of angiotensin II.

Here is a short list of angiotensin II receptor blockers:Candesartan (Atacand)Irbesartan (Avapro)Losartan (Cozaar)Valsartan (Diovan)

Doctors prescribe these drugs to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions and he will decide an appropriate medication for you. These conditions include:<>

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Scleroderma

Side effects
The most common side effect of angiotensin receptor blockers is low blood pressure; light headedness and dizziness are the most common signs of low blood pressure. If your kidney function is already compromised, ARBs can make worse. They can also raise potassium levels.

Please make sure you take your medications as prescribed and learn how to check your pulse and blood pressure because if they are too low, they can drop to dangerous levels. You need to notify your physician immediately if you experience any side effects when taking angiotensin receptor blockers. Your Doctor may stop your medication and prescribe a new one. Also make sure you receive complete information from your Doctor or your pharmacist and read all the medication interactions, precautions, and side effects.

Heart attacks are the number one killer in America, millions of others are recovering from one, and millions are at risk. For this reason, lots and lots of people are taking heart medications. If you are taking them, you are not alone.

Self medication administration can be frustrating at times but if you need to take them, there are a few things you should know about. This can help you take them appropriately and get the best results.






Disclaimer

The information in this section and throughout this site is not meant to diagnose and does not provide any legal advice whatsoever. It is recommended to consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding illnesses, prescribed and over the counter medications including, supplements, herbal and any other types of medicines.