Valsartan and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Blood pressure control and beyond

Patients treated for hypertension are still at significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular complications when compared with normotensive patients, even when on antihypertensive therapy. In all fairness though, a majority of these patients have uncontrolled blood pressure. Blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) prevents or reverses cardiac remodelling and improves prognosis in cardiovascular disease beyond the effects on blood pressure (BP). Valsartan acts by selectively blocking the AT1-receptor and shows similar efficacy and improved tolerability compared with ACE inhibitors. This drug may provide additional benefits in controlling the cardiovascular complications of hypertension. Results of large clinical trials with valsartan, such as VALUE, Val-HEFT, VALIANT and ABCD-2V, are eagerly awaited.