Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain cardiovascular and kidney conditions. They help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce the workload on the heart.
ARBs are often prescribed when patients need blood pressure control and cardiovascular protection, and they may be used alone or in combination with other medications.
How does it work?
ARBs work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. By preventing this hormone from acting on the blood vessels, ARBs allow the vessels to relax and widen.
As blood flows more easily through the body, blood pressure decreases and the heart can pump more efficiently. In some patients, ARBs can also help protect kidney function and support long-term cardiovascular health.
Am I a good candidate for treatment?
ARBs may be recommended if you have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes-related kidney disease
- A history of heart attack
Your provider will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, kidney function, and cardiovascular health to determine whether an ARB is appropriate for your condition.
What can I expect after treatment?
Most ARBs are taken as a daily oral medication and are intended for long-term use. Your provider may periodically monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and overall response to treatment.
Many patients tolerate ARBs well and experience effective blood pressure control with few side effects. In some cases, ARBs may be prescribed as an alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate ACE inhibitors.
ARBs are often used alongside other medications and lifestyle changes as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular treatment plan designed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney complications.
Managing high blood pressure isn’t always as simple as prescribing a medication. At Deborah Heart and Lung Center, our specialists take a comprehensive approach to hypertension care, evaluating the underlying causes of elevated blood pressure and developing a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
While many patients successfully control their blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes, some continue to have hypertension despite taking multiple medications. For these individuals, Deborah offers advanced treatment options such as renal denervation, a minimally invasive procedure designed to help lower blood pressure by targeting overactive nerves surrounding the renal arteries.
By combining expertise in preventive cardiology, medication management, and advanced cardiovascular interventions, our team can help determine the most effective strategy to achieve long-term blood pressure control and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.