Which medication class includes losartan and valsartan?

Losartan and valsartan belong to the class of medications known as Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. By inhibiting this hormone's effects, ARBs help to relax blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart. This mechanism makes ARBs effective for treating conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.

Additionally, this classification helps distinguish ARBs from other classes of medications, such as ACE inhibitors, which also target the angiotensin pathway but do so differently by inhibiting the enzyme that generates angiotensin II. Understanding the specific action of ARBs is crucial for pharmacological treatment choices in cardiovascular conditions.