Volume 10, Number 3, May-June 2003

The role of angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertension
Wilf W Yeo

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are efficacious in terms of reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. With a placebo-like side- effect profile, the adherence to drugs in this class is higher than with other antihypertensive agents. Recent trials have demonstrated the benefit of ARBs in hypertensive patients with diabetes, and the benefit of ARBs in regressing left ventricular hypertrophy. Research is currently being carried out to evaluate whether ARBs are beneficial in the treatment of patients with heart failure and after myocardial infarction. This article reviews the evidence underlying the use of ARBs in clinical practice, in view of the recent British Hypertension Society (BHS) recommendations for their use in the UK.

Br J Cardiol 2003;10:S8-S14.

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