Anti-angiotensin Therapy: New Perspectives

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Thus, strategies for the treatment of heart failure have focused on agents that block the RAS. More recently, the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in heart failure therapy has been better defined. This article examines the rationale and role of ARBs in the treatment of patients with heart failure on the basis of evidence from clinical trials.