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Effects of Diovan
Diovan® (valsartan) is a prescription medication approved to treat several conditions, including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It can also help improve survival following a heart attack.
Diovan works by decreasing the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking its effects, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
Because of these effects, Diovan also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these effects are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
Clinical studies on Diovan have shown that this medication decreased systolic blood pressure decreased by 6 to 9 mmHg, on average, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3 to 6 mmHg, on average. Certain factors, such as dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped. By lowering blood pressure, Diovan can decrease the risks that are seen with long-term high blood pressure.
For people with congestive heart failure, Diovan's effects on the heart and blood vessels have been shown to decrease hospitalizations and loss of life.
(Click Diovan for a more in-depth look at the effects of this drug, including information on how it works, general dosing guidelines, and what to know before starting treatment.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD