Which drug does the nurse know works to lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin 2 receptor sites?

1. Aortic arch and carotid sinus baroreceptors detect BP

2. Information sent to brainstem

3. Impulses sent to heart and blood vessels from brainstem

4. Beta 1 and alpha 1 receptors activated

5. Vasoconstriction occurs

6. BP restored

((1) Baroreceptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinus sense BP and relay this information to the brainstem. (2) When BP is perceived as too low, the brainstem sends impulses along sympathetic nerves to stimulate the heart and blood vessels. (3) BP is then elevated by (a) activation of beta 1 receptors in the heart resulting in increased cardiac output and (b) activation of vascular alpha 1 receptors resulting in vasoconstriction. (4) When BP has been restored to an acceptable level, sympathetic stimulation of the heart and vascular smooth muscle subsides.)

ARBs are typically used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Learn how they work, their benefits, and their side effects.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are typically used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They may also be prescribed following a heart attack.

Your doctor may suggest treatment with ARBs instead of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, another group of hypertension medications.

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 damage your heart and lead to other health problems. ARBs may help you to 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.

When blood vessels tighten, they become narrow. This puts blood under greater pressure as it’s forced to move through a smaller-than-normal space. When ARBs block angiotensin II, this reduces the tightening of blood vessels. Blood pressure is then lowered.

You may be prescribed ARBs if you have:

  • a heart attack
  • kidney disease
  • coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • abdominal obesity, or the buildup of fat cells, along with high blood pressure
  • high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to ACE inhibitors
  • unpleasant side effects from ACE inhibitors

Most people take ARBs in once-daily doses in the morning. However, your doctor may also prescribe a twice-daily dose. ARBs don’t have to 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 kidney disease, 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 ACE inhibitor first. If it isn’t suitable for you, they may recommend an ARB. Your doctor will likely prescribe either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB but not both at the same time.

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.

Bear in mind that your body may respond differently than other people’s to any medication. If you have side effects from your medication, tell your doctor immediately. Talk with them, weigh your options, and then decide on the best treatment plan for you.

What drugs are angiotensin II receptor blockers?

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They are also used for chronic kidney disease and prescribed following a heart attack. They include irbesartan, valsartan, losartan and candesartan.

What is the best angiotensin II receptor blocker?

With an aim to prevent CV events, primarily telmisartan and eventually losartan are the ARBs of choice in patients with high CV risk and a general need for CV risk reduction. In the case of HF patients, losartan, candesartan or valsartan should be chosen.

Which medication will decrease vasoconstriction by blocking angiotensin 2 receptor sites?

Olmesartan (Benicar) Olmesartan blocks the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle.

How angiotensin receptor blockers lower the blood pressure?

These drugs block the effect of angiotensin II, a chemical that narrows blood vessels. By doing so, they help widen blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure. ARBs are generally prescribed for people who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.