Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of hypertension in elderly patients: focus on patient outcomes

Artavazd Tadevosyan1, Eric J MacLaughlin2, Vardan T Karamyan31Departments of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, 3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USAAbstract: Hypertension in the elderly is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Knowledge regarding the mechanisms of hypertension and specific considerations in managing hypertensive elderly through pharmacological intervention(s) is fundamental to improving clinical outcomes. Recent clinical studies in the elderly have provided evidence that angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists can improve clinical outcomes to a similar or, in certain populations, an even greater extent than other classical arterial blood pressure-lowering agents. This newer class of antihypertensive agents presents several benefits, including potential for improved adherence, excellent tolerability profile with minimal first-dose hypotension, and a low incidence of adverse effects. Thus, AT1 receptor antagonists represent an appropriate option for many elderly patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and/or left ventricular dysfunction.Keywords: angiotensin II, ARB, cardiovascular disease, antihypertensive therapy, elderly