Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or that it is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should. This can lead to symptoms of CHF that include shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; and rapid weight gain, to name a few (see Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure for more information).
For people with congestive heart failure, Atacand decreases blood pressure and makes the heart more efficient, which allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. Because of these effects, Atacand has been shown to decrease the hospitalizations and loss of life due to congestive heart failure. However, Atacand does not cure congestive heart failure.
How Does Atacand Work?
Atacand is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the names implies, Atacand blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Atacand causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
Atacand Uses in Children
Atacand has not been approved for use in children.
Off-Label Atacand Uses
On occasion, a healthcare provider may recommend Atacand for treating a condition other than those listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label Atacand uses.
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