Authors' objectives:

To summarise the available evidence on angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in treating heart failure (HF).

Authors' recommendations: - Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) directly inhibit the angiotensin II type 1 receptors, which suppresses the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). - Six ARBs are approved in Canada for the treatment of hypertension, none are yet approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF). - Evidence comparing ARBs to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in HF is still limited. A recent meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials could not confirm that ARBs are superior to ACEIs in reducing either mortality or hospitalization in HF patients. ARBs may be used as an alternative in HF patients intolerant of ACEIs. - A meta-analysis indicates that, compared to using an ACEI alone, adding an ARB to an ACEI carries the potential for additional benefits in terms of reduced hospitalization, but not mortality. However, the FDA determined there is currently insufficient evidence of such additional benefit when valsartan is combined to an ACEI in patients with HF.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)