High blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic The disease of the kidneys. are some of the conditions that ARBs are used to treat. Learn how they work and their side effects.

High blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic The disease of the kidneys. are some of the conditions that are treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers. They may be prescribed after A heart attack..

ARBs may be the best option for treatment of hypertension, instead of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure affects 1 in 3 American adults. Only 54 percent of people with the condition have it under control.

If your blood pressure is high all the time, it can cause a lot of problems. ARBs can help you control your blood pressure.

Blood vessels supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This constant supply helps the heart function. Angiotensin II is a hormone made by our body, and it tightens the muscles of our blood vessels.

Angiotensin II also contributes to salt and water retention in our bodies. Increased salt in the body and tightened blood vessels may cause our blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure harms blood vessels.

Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors act on angiotensin II. But while ACE inhibitors limit the formation of angiotensin II, ARBs block certain receptors of angiotensin II. These receptors, known as AT1 receptors, are found in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Blood vessels become narrow when they tighten. This puts blood under more pressure as it is forced to move through a smaller space. The tightening of blood vessels is reduced when ARBs block angiotensin II. The blood pressure is lowered.

Drugs with names ending in sartan are ARBs. Common ones include:

You may find ARBs combined with another drug such as hydrochlorothiazide. This is a diuretic drug that causes you to pass urine more often. It also helps to lower your blood pressure. Examples of these combination drugs include hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan (Diovan HCT) and hydrochlorothiazide-losartan (Hyzaar).

All ARBs can be used to treat high blood pressure. However, specific ARBs may be recommended for other medical conditions, according to the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.

For example, valsartan is suggested for heart failure and following a heart attack. Losartan may be best suited for heart failure, kidney damage related to diabetes, and stroke prevention.

If you have, you may be prescribed ARBs.

ARBs are taken in the morning. Your doctor may also prescribe a twice-daily dose. ARBs can be taken in the morning.

Some people may experience a chronic cough when they take ACE inhibitors, but ARBs don’t usually have this side effect. This is one of the reasons ARBs are often used instead of ACE inhibitors.

ARBs can decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from a cardiac event.

If you have The disease of the kidneys., ARBs may be one of the more effective treatments for high blood pressure. Some animal and human studies have also shown that ARBs may help protect against cognitive decline.

“Most doctors will ask you to try an drug. They may recommend an ARB if it isn’t suitable for you. Your doctor will probably prescribe an ARB and an ACE inhibitor at the same time.”

There are side effects of ARBs.

Some people taking an ARB may have something.

Some drugs may not work well with ARBs. Taking ARBs and ACE inhibitors together should be avoided as this may increase the risk of low blood pressure, kidney damage, and high levels of K.

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) may also interact with ARBs to affect your potassium levels. Learn more about drug interactions.

Can pregnant people take them?

The most serious warning issued by the FDA is a boxed warning. They should not be used during a pregnant period.

Due to the risk of side effects, doctors typically do not prescribe ARBs to pregnant people.

Studies have shown that exposure to ARBs during pregnancy can disturb embryo and fetus development and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in pregnant people.

Doctors can prescribe alternatives to ARBs for those planning a pregnancy. Some medical professionals advise that people of childbearing age avoid the use of ARBs altogether.

In July 2010, a meta-analysis of several clinical trials showed an increased cancer risk in people taking ARBs. In June 2011, further research by the FDA indicated no increased risk of developing cancer while taking an ARB. The earlier report included data from five clinical trials, while the FDA’s analysis included more than 30 studies.

More recently, studies published in 2014 and 2016 also suggest that there’s no increased risk of cancer in people taking ARBs. A study published in 2017 indicated that ARBs may actually be helpful for people with prostate cancer. At this time, the FDA states that treatment with an ARB medication doesn’t increase the risk of cancer.

There’s some evidence that people on ACE inhibitors are less prone to myocardial infarction (MI) and fatal heart and cardiovascular events than people who take ARBs.

However, a report from a 2013 meta-analysis showed that ARBs are a good option for reducing the risk of cardiovascular deaths, MI, and stroke in people without heart failure. Valsartan and telmisartan have been found effective in reducing the risk of fatal MI and cardiovascular events.

Your body may respond differently to medication than other people. If you have side effects from your medication, tell your doctor. Talk with them and weigh your options before making a decision on the best treatment plan for you.