Efficiency and specificity of RAAS inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases: how to achieve better end-organ protection?

Hypertens Res. 2017 Nov;40(11):903-909. doi: 10.1038/hr.2017.65. Epub 2017 Jul 6.

Abstract

RAAS, a major pharmacological target in cardiovascular medicine, is inhibited by pharmacological classes including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin-II type 1 blockers (ARBs) and aldosterone receptors antagonists, in addition to the recently introduced direct renin inhibitors (DRIs). However, currently used RAAS inhibitors still cannot achieve their desired effects and are associated with certain drawbacks, such as adverse side effects, incomplete blockage of the system and poor end-organ protection. In this review, we discuss the efficiency and specificity of the current RAAS inhibitors and propose some recommendations for achieving better treatments with better end-organ protection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects*

Substances

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists