Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
How It Works
Angiotensin II receptor blockers inhibit a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). As a result, blood vessels relax and widen (dilate), making it easier for blood to flow through the vessels, which reduces blood pressure. These medicines also increase the release of water and salt (sodium) to the urine, which in turn lowers blood pressure as well.
Preventing the blood vessels from constricting helps improve blood flow, which reduces the backup of blood in the heart and lungs. It also decreases the pressure that the left ventricle of the heart must pump against.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers also act directly on the hormones that regulate sodium and water balance.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 26, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Margaret Hetherington, PHM, BsC - Pharmacy |
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