[AT1-blockers in the treatment of hypertension: summary]

Abstract

Angiotensin receptor antagonists (AT(1)-blockers) are considered as one of the major classes of antihypertensive drugs suitable for monotherapy as well as for combination treatment. AT(1)-blockers have comparable antihypertensive efficacy with other major classes of antihypertensive drugs. AT(1)-blockers are considered by current guidelines of Czech society of hypertension altogether with ACE-inhibitors and calcium channel blockers as universal antihypertensive drug class. AT(1)-blockers has the lowest profile of side-effects among all antihypertensive drug classes and thus very high persistence to therapy. Mechanisms of antihypertensive effects of AT(1)-blockers are discussed altogether with the results of large clinical trials and indications in the treatment of hypertension.