The downstream target of angiotensin II is the angiotensin receptor (ATII receptor). There are a number of sub-groups of this receptor, but they are located primarily on the heart muscle (myocardium) and the lining of the main arteries and blood vessels (vascular endothelium). Over activation of this occurs, in settings such as high blood pressure or heart failure. A certain group of drugs, called the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are very specific and bind this receptor to effectively switch off its down stream effects, such as thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy) and thickening of the arteriolar walls in hypertension. This family of drugs include agents such as Candasartan and Telmisartan, along with older agents with shorter half lives, such as Losartan.
Indications:
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Vascular Risk Reduction
Renal Protection in Diabetes Mellitus
