Rationale for the use of ARBs in heart failure

Rationale for the use of ARBs in heart failure

ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker)s produce more complete blockage of RAS (renin angiotensin system) – only 30% of angiotensin II production is suppressed by ACE inhibitors. Angiotensin II can be produced by non ACE dependant pathways. Chymases and Cathepsin G can convert angiotensin I to II. There is an additional role for ARBs in patients with intolerance to ACE inhibitors, either due to cough or allergy.