Telmisartan in hypertensive treatment - practicalities

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system plays a pivotal role in the treatment of high blood pressure and prevention of target organ damage. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker displaying beneficial unique pharmacologic properties, metabolic effects, antihypertensive efficacy in monotherapy and combinations and good tolerance. Clinical studies confirm that telmisartan improves endothelial function, insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, reduces arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. In addition, telmisartan improves renal function and has potential beneficial effects on prevention of cerebrovascular disease. The ONTARGET study has shown that telmisartan provides similar cardiovascular protection to ramipril in high-risk patients, while being better tolerated.