Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (pronounced an-gee-oh-ten-sin two re-cep-tor an-tag-o-nists), also known as ARBs or sartans, are a group of pharmaceuticals that modulate the renin-angiotensin system. Their main uses are in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetic kidney disease, and heart failure.

Etymology

The term "Angiotensin II receptor antagonist" is derived from their mechanism of action. They antagonize or block the effects of angiotensin II, a peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and a subsequent increase in blood pressure. The term "sartan" is a suffix used for this class of drugs, which includes losartan, valsartan, and others.

Related Terms

• Angiotensin: A peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and a subsequent increase in blood pressure. It is part of the system that regulates the body's balance of salt and water.
• Renin-angiotensin system: A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.
• Hypertension: A chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
• Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney damage that results from having diabetes.
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

See Also

• ACE inhibitors: Another class of drugs that also modulate the renin-angiotensin system, but through a different mechanism.

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