Mechanism of Action
- Lowers blood pressure by blocking the vasoconstrictor effects of the hormone angiotensin II
- Angiotensin receptor blockers modulate the renin–angiotensin system
Treatment
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes)
- Congestive heart failure
Names
- Azilsartan (Edarbi, Edarbyclor)
- Candesartan (Amias, Atacand, Blopress, Diceran, Ratacand)
- Eprosartan (Teveten, Eprozar)
- Fimasartan (Kanarb)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Irbesartan (Aprovel, Karvea, and Avapro)
- Saralasin (Sarenin)
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
- Olmesartan Medoxomil (Benicar, Olmetec)
Effect on Rest
- Increase or no change in resting heart rate (ACSM 2013)
- Decrease in blood pressure (ACSM 2013)
Effect on Exercise
- Increase or no change in heart rate during exercise (ACSM 2013)
- Decrease in blood pressure (ACSM 2013)
- No change in myocardial contractility
- No change in exercise capacity (ACSM 2013)
- Increases blood flow and/or decreased vascular resistance during exercise in the myocardium, stomach, small intestine, and colon. (Symons & Stebbins 1996)
- MAP and SVR during exercise
- Losartan decreases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) during exercise. (Symons & Stebbins 1996)
- Saralasin, a partial agonist angiotensin II receptor, does not appear to affect mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) during exercise. (Symons & Stebbins 1996)
References
American College of Sports Medicine (2013). Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, William & Wilkins, 9, 401
Symons JD, Stebbins CL. (1996). Effects of angiotensin II receptor blockade during exercise: comparison of losartan and saralasin. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 28(2):223-31.
