How Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers Work
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers are most often used to treat high blood pressure. They work by inhibiting (blocking) the angiotensin II hormone effects on the body. Angiotensin II hormone contracts the muscles around the blood vessels, which then narrows the blood vessels. The narrowing of the blood vessels causes your blood pressure to increase. This is when the ARBs come into play to block this hormone and dilate (widen) the blood vessels, which therefore decreases the blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure allows the heart to not have to work as hard to pump blood through different areas of the body.
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