Hypertension

[Joan]

Originally posted by Tara
Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker isn't it?

Joan, what is the difference in the way they work between this sort of medication and the ACE inhibitor and Beta blocker medication?

You are correct, it is an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
ACE inhibitors are drugs that prevent the synthesis of angiotensin II by blocking the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) Angiotensin is a chemical substance that causes constriction of bloodvessels and if you prevent it's synthesis, you will prevent the contraction or constriction of the bloodvessels. One of the major side effects of these drugs have is that they often cause a dry unproductive cough that can not be alleviated by any cough suppressant.
Beta blockers block the beta one receptors..... mainly found in the heart and in the larger bloodvessels, also in the pancreas, liver etc.Beta 2 receptors are located in the bronchi. It is stimulated by adrenalin and nor-adrenalin.
These beta blocers decrease cardiac output by decreasing the heart rate. Beta blockers also block the effects of a substance known as renin ( also involved in the chain of events that occur during the synthesis of angiotensin II)
Beta blockers are usually the drugs of first choice and if they cannot be used, other drugs are then prescribed. It may be interesting to know that beta blockers may not be used by asthmatics and are not effective in black people.