Mechanisms of benefit of angiotensin receptor blockers in coronary atherosclerosis.

There is mounting evidence that dysfunction of the renin angiotensin system is a vital contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. Nonetheless, the efficacy of angiotensin receptor blockers on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary atherosclerosis has been limited. This review will examine the potential mechanisms by which angiotensin receptor blockers potentially affect several key steps in the atherosclerotic process: endothelial function, inflammation, and thrombosis. Despite the mounting evidence for these agents on multiple processes in the development of atherosclerosis, their clinical utility in patients with coronary artery disease remains unclear.