Many people may wonder, "How does it work?" Diovan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the names implies, Diovan 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, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
For people with congestive
heart failure, Diovan decreases
blood pressure and makes the heart more efficient, which allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. Because of these effects, Diovan has been shown to decrease hospitalizations and loss of life from congestive heart failure. However, Diovan does not cure congestive heart failure.
For people who develop heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack, taking Diovan on a daily basis decreases the chance of death by 16 percent. It is not known exactly how Diovan improves survival following a heart attack.
(For more information, click Diovan Uses. This article provides a complete overview of this prescription drug, including information on its specific uses, its safety in children, and possible off-label uses.)
