DOWNRIVER CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS
PATIENT EDUCATION INFORMATION:
REGARDING: ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKERS (ARB)
An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is used for control of your blood pressure or heart disease. This
category of drug is very similar to an ACE inhibitor. It has many of the benefits of an ACE inhibitor but in
addition, has a lower side effect profile particularly in the relief of the dry cough caused by ACE inhibitor.
This category of drug requires periodic evaluation of laboratory parameters. You will need labs for BUN,
creatinine, electrolytes and CBC at 2, 4 and 8 weeks and then every six months. In addition you should have
your blood pressure checked in 2 weeks.
We are now monitoring blood pressures less frequently after a change in medication dosage. You may notice
some minor symptoms the first week. These frequently improve if the drug is continued. Some medications
also have a prolonged onset of a maximum effectiveness. This medication can be increased to achieve a blood
pressure goal of 135/85. (If you are diabetic, the goal is 125/80). Please see your primary care physician to
follow through on these laboratory and blood pressure recommendations. Your cooperation is essential in
coordinating the maximum medical care for yourself. In addition to medications, the optimal management for
hypertension is best achieved with a low sodium diet, regular exercise, weight loss and avoiding alcohol excess.
This medication has many of the same benefits and side effects of an ACE inhibitor. It has been approved by
the FDA in the treatment of hypertension. However, it may also offer the same benefit in the treatment of heart
failure and diabetes. Generally, though, an ACE inhibitor would be the first drug of choice in these conditions.
In congestive heart failure, it may improve the function of the heart. In diabetes, it could reduce complications
in almost every organ system, especially the kidneys. When used for heart failure or diabetes, the medication is
started even if you already have a normal blood pressure.
This medication if used in pregnancy during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, may cause injury and even death to the
developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, you should contact your physician and generally the medication
should be discontinued as soon as possible.