How Do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Work For Heart Failure?
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      / Updated July 13th, 2022

      How Do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Work For Heart Failure?

      Medically Reviewed: Dr. Andrea Tufano-Sugarman Written by: Dr. Rodrigo Leão Edelmuth
      Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein

      How Do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) Work For Heart Failure?

      • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) block a hormone in your body that narrows blood vessels. By doing so, this decreases the amount of work that your heart has to do with each beat.
      • Several ARBs are available, and they come in different brand names. Determining which ARB is best for you depends on your health and the specifics or severity of your disease.
      • Possible side effects include low blood pressure, headache, and dizziness.
      Because heart failure is a condition that affects the hearts ability to pump blood as well as it should, it can cause fluid to back up in the body, which leads to organs not getting the blood that they need. There are several medications available to treat heart failure, including a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

      In addition to lifestyle interventions such as adopting a regular workout routine, cutting out alcohol, and losing weight patients may be prescribed a number of medications to get the condition under control and keep it from advancing to later stages. ARBs have been in clinical use since 1995 and are known to be an effective and well-tolerated option for people facing heart failure.

      Read More
      Angiotensin is a hormone in your body that is used to maintain your blood pressure. It's a very powerful vasoconstrictor (blood vessel narrower) and this narrowing can cause high blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder.

      ARBs are commonly used to treat heart failure. Dr. Aeshita Dwivedi, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, tells SurvivorNet that these medications block the receptors through which angiotensin works and, in turn, dilate the blood vessels and decrease the amount of work that your heart has to do with each beat.

      "These medications, just like ACE inhibitors, have been shown to prolong life, decrease hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and improve the heart function as well," Dr. Dwivedi says.

      Examples Of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

      Several ARBs are available, and they come in different brand names. Determining which ARB is best for you depends on your health and the specifics or severity of your disease. ARBs may differ in how long they stay active in your blood and if they can be taken together with food. For instance, food delays absorption of losartan and valsartan and they tend to only work for a few hours depending on the person, whereas telmisartan generally lasts longer.

      • Azilsartan (Edarbi)
      • Candesartan (Atacand)
      • Eprosartan
      • Irbesartan (Avapro)
      • Losartan (Cozaar)
      • Olmesartan (Benicar)
      • Telmisartan (Micardis)
      • Valsartan (Diovan)

      Side Effects

      Possible side effects of angiotensin II blockers can include:

      • Angioedema (Swelling of the skin due to a buildup of fluid)
      • Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
      • Feeling tired
      • Low blood pressure
      • Higher than normal potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
      • Headache

      It's important to let your doctor know about any side effects you experience on these drugs, so they can weight risks vs. benefits and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.

      Everyone's treatment journey can look different, so it's important to take yours one step at a time and listen to your body along the way.

      Questions to Ask Your Doctor

      • How will I know the drug is working the way it's supposed to work?
      • What if I am taking other medicines?
      • Should I have my blood pressure and kidney function tested while taking this drug?

      Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

      Dr. Rodrigo C. Leão Edelmuth is a board certified digestive surgeon at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Brazil. He holds his General Surgery and Digestive Surgery degree from São Paulo University Medical School. He underwent a postgraduate course on Surgical Leadership at Harvard Medical School and he is also a visiting fellow in the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.   Read More

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