Unique dual mechanism of action of eprosartan: effects on systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, risk of stroke and cognitive decline

Hypertension is a common condition associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Antihypertensive drugs reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and may also be associated with reductions in cognitive decline. Eprosartan is an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist with a unique dual mechanism of action that is approved for the treatment of essential hypertension. In clinical trials, eprosartan has been shown to significantly reduce systolic blood pressure and to be associated with significant reductions in pulse pressure in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Data suggest that blood pressure reductions achieved with eprosartan in elderly hypertensive patients are also associated with improvements in cognitive function. Eprosartan compares favorably with other classes of antihypertensive agents in terms of reductions in mortality, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and stroke recurrence. Evidence suggests that eprosartan may represent a useful addition to combination drug strategies for the management of hypertensive patients with elevated cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.