Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs can lower the risk of death from heart failure. ARBs also reduce the number of people with heart failure who need to go into the hospital. ARBs have been shown to work as well as ACE inhibitors for heart failure.^{Reference 1} ARBs are less likely to cause the cough that is associated with ACE inhibitors.

For advanced heart failure, an ARB may be taken with an ACE inhibitor to help lower the risk of dying or needing to go into the hospital.^{Reference 1} But if you take an ARB with an ACE inhibitor, you have a higher risk for kidney problems and for potassium levels that are too high.^{Reference 2} For this reason, you will likely need close monitoring.

If you are taking an ARB because you have diabetes and early signs of kidney problems, or have kidney disease, these medicines can slow or prevent further damage to your kidneys.^{Reference 3}

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