Abstract
Guidelines for the treatment of hypertension allow a wide range of choices to the physicians; however some differences are present about the preferred drugs to start treatment. The most important aim remains an adequate decrease of blood pressure, something not perfectly obtained in the general population, but some classes of anti-hypertensive drugs could show protective effects on cardiovascular events, which are independent from blood pressure levels (the so called effects beyond blood pressure control). In this context antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system may represent an important help for the physicians, keeping in mind the preclinical studies showing the central role of the renin-angiotensin system not only in the regulation of blood pressure but also in the atherothrombotic processes.
The demonstration of an additional favourable effect of renin-angiotensin system blockers is not so obvious and frequently debated in the literature. Evidence-based medicine suggests that in patients at moderate/high cardiovascular risk it is difficult to have clear evidence of a specific advantage of some drug classes with respect to the others. However renin-angiotensin system blockers maintain compelling indications in particular cardiovascular situations; in addition analysis of intermediate end points, such as microalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffness, gives further support to a drug-based anti-hypertension strategy. Last but not least, the optimal safety profile of these drugs, in particular of angiotensin II receptor blockers and renin inhibitors, allows their use in the very early stage of the hypertensive situation, as suggested by recent clinical trials.
Keywords: Renin-angiotensin system, ACE-inhibitors, AT1 receptor antagonists, renin inhibitors, hypertension treatment, cardiovascular prevention, blood pressure, atherothrombotic processes, microalbuminuria, angiotensin II receptor blockers
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Renin-Angiotensin Antagonists: Therapeutic Effects Beyond Blood Pressure Control?
Volume: 18 Issue: 7
Author(s): Franco Dallegri
Affiliation:
Keywords: Renin-angiotensin system, ACE-inhibitors, AT1 receptor antagonists, renin inhibitors, hypertension treatment, cardiovascular prevention, blood pressure, atherothrombotic processes, microalbuminuria, angiotensin II receptor blockers
Abstract: Guidelines for the treatment of hypertension allow a wide range of choices to the physicians; however some differences are present about the preferred drugs to start treatment. The most important aim remains an adequate decrease of blood pressure, something not perfectly obtained in the general population, but some classes of anti-hypertensive drugs could show protective effects on cardiovascular events, which are independent from blood pressure levels (the so called effects beyond blood pressure control). In this context antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system may represent an important help for the physicians, keeping in mind the preclinical studies showing the central role of the renin-angiotensin system not only in the regulation of blood pressure but also in the atherothrombotic processes.
The demonstration of an additional favourable effect of renin-angiotensin system blockers is not so obvious and frequently debated in the literature. Evidence-based medicine suggests that in patients at moderate/high cardiovascular risk it is difficult to have clear evidence of a specific advantage of some drug classes with respect to the others. However renin-angiotensin system blockers maintain compelling indications in particular cardiovascular situations; in addition analysis of intermediate end points, such as microalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffness, gives further support to a drug-based anti-hypertension strategy. Last but not least, the optimal safety profile of these drugs, in particular of angiotensin II receptor blockers and renin inhibitors, allows their use in the very early stage of the hypertensive situation, as suggested by recent clinical trials.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Dallegri Franco, Renin-Angiotensin Antagonists: Therapeutic Effects Beyond Blood Pressure Control?, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2012; 18 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212799436575
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212799436575 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
?Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Nano-Therapeutics Targeting Tumor Microenvironment?
This thematic issue explores the forefront of cancer treatment, centering on the groundbreaking potential of nano-therapeutics meticulously designed to target the tumor microenvironment. At its core, the issue aims to unravel the latest advancements in nanotechnology, showcasing innovative materials, formulations, and delivery systems that hold promise for redefining cancer therapeutics. ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Reproduction
Current Women`s Health Reviews Cigarette Smoking and Hypertension
Current Pharmaceutical Design Biomarkers Determining Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Current Medicinal Chemistry Targeting the Bone Microenvironment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Current Drug Targets Spirolactones: Recent Advances in Natural Products, Bioactive Compounds and Synthetic Strategies
Current Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Hydrogen Application in Stroke: Bench to Bedside
Current Pharmaceutical Design Use and Results of Antidepressant Treatment: Patients' Perception
Current Drug Therapy Phytol a Natural Diterpenoid with Pharmacological Applications on Central Nervous System: A Review
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Triple Antiplatelet Therapy after PCI - Should or Could it be Done?
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets β-Adrenomimetic Actions in the Hypotension and Vasodilatation Induced by a Chromatographic Active Fraction from Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) in Mammals
Current Bioactive Compounds Treatments for Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes-Non-pharmacological and Pharmacological Measurements<sup>#</sup>
Current Hypertension Reviews Anti-inflammatory strategies in stroke: a potential therapeutic target
Current Vascular Pharmacology Antithrombotic Treatment in the Prevention of Ischemic Stroke
Current Drug Targets New Molecular Targets of Anticancer Therapy – Current Status and Perspectives
Current Medicinal Chemistry Epidemiological Aspects of Stroke in Very Old Patients
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Fetal and Obstetric Manifestations in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Current Rheumatology Reviews Is Nitric Oxide Assuming a Janus-Face in The Central Nervous System?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Meet the Editorial Board
Current Pharmaceutical Design Adipokines as Potential Biomarkers in the Neurorehabilitation of Obese Stroke Patients
Current Neurovascular Research Artemisia Species as a New Candidate for Diabetes Therapy: A Comprehensive Review
Current Molecular Medicine