Angiotensin receptor blockers: rational prescription tailored to the cardiovascular risk and comorbidities

Abstract

Renin­angiotensin­aldosterone axis activation is an important mechanism of hypertension and its cardiovascular and renal complications. Angiotensin receptor blockers are considered among the first­choice antihypertensive drugs in Russia, European countries, and the USA. In addition to antihypertensive action, these drugs positively influence several components of the cardiovascular continuum and can be used for individualized management of high cardiovascular risk patients. The paper discusses the benefits of angiotensin receptor blockers use in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. The paper includes a clinical case scenario revealing antihypertensive efficacy of telmisartan as an initial agent in a patient with high risk of cardiovascular events.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• cardiovascular risk
• angiotensin receptor blockers
• telmisartan
• cardiovascular continuum