Targeting the renin-angiotensin system for the reduction of cardiovascular outcomes in hypertension: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers

• Agents that counteract the negative impact of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are effective antihypertensives and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Contrary to common perception, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors do not share the apparent benefit of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in reducing risk of cardiovascular-disease outcomes, particularly stroke, in randomised clinical trials. RAAS agents, especially ARBs, are well tolerated. Use of ARBs alone or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive agents to lower blood pressure and/or medications to control other conditions (e.g., insulin sensitivity) reduces risk of cardiovascular disease outcomes and Type 2 diabetes with excellent tolerability. Selected issues related to use of RAAS agents as antihypertensive therapies (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, global risk management, multiple drug therapy and coronary heart disease) are addressed.

Keyword

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/*administration & dosage

Animals

Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage

Blood Pressure/drug effects/physiology

Clinical Trials/statistics & numerical data

Drug Delivery Systems/*methods

Humans

Hypertension/*drug therapy/physiopathology

Receptors

Angiotensin/*antagonists & inhibitors/physiology

Renin-Angiotensin System/*drug effects/physiology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)