Medication: Diovan/ valsartan (ARB)
Written by: jchodirker | Posted: Apr 24 2009
How Diovan Reduces Blood Pressure
Diovan (valsartan) is one of a new class of blood pressure medication called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
Angiotensin II is a chemical that causes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels to contract (tighten). This in turn narrows the blood vessels. This narrowing increases the pressure within the blood vessels and can cause high blood pressure (hypertension).
Diovan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II. As a result, the blood vessels dilate (relax) and blood pressure is reduced.
Other ARB medications include Cozaar, Avapro, Atacand, Micardis, Atacand Plus, and Hyzaar.
Although these medications are beneficial, many times they are not enough to control your blood pressure.
Click here for additional information including side effects.
Subscribe to comments
