Which statement about ARBs is true?

Which statement about ARBs is true?

• A. They block angiotensin II and cause vasodilation
• B. They increase aldosterone release
• C. They are safe in pregnancy
• D. They have no renal effects

Answer: (A)

ARBs work by blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, so Ang II can’t cause vasoconstriction. This leads to dilation of arteries and veins and a drop in blood pressure. They also reduce aldosterone release from the adrenal cortex, which decreases sodium and water retention. Because the receptor is blocked, renin release increases and Ang II levels can rise, but the blocking action still yields vasodilation. They are not safe in pregnancy due to fetal risks, and they do have renal effects (they can lower intraglomerular pressure and reduce proteinuria, though they can affect GFR and potentially cause hyperkalemia). The statement that they increase aldosterone is incorrect, and the ideas that they are safe in pregnancy or have no renal effects are not true.

ARBs work by blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, so Ang II can’t cause vasoconstriction. This leads to dilation of arteries and veins and a drop in blood pressure. They also reduce aldosterone release from the adrenal cortex, which decreases sodium and water retention. Because the receptor is blocked, renin release increases and Ang II levels can rise, but the blocking action still yields vasodilation. They are not safe in pregnancy due to fetal risks, and they do have renal effects (they can lower intraglomerular pressure and reduce proteinuria, though they can affect GFR and potentially cause hyperkalemia). The statement that they increase aldosterone is incorrect, and the ideas that they are safe in pregnancy or have no renal effects are not true.