title: Renin-angiotensin system and stroke.
abstract: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a major regulatory system of cardiovascular and renal function. Many new aspects of this system have been revealed in recent years, leading to new therapeutic approaches. It's well known that RAS blocking agents have potent antiatherosclerotic effects, which are mediated by their antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and oxidative stress lowering properties. Inhibitors of RAS are now first-line treatments for hypertensive target organ damage. Their effects are greater than expected by their ability to lower blood pressure. Angiotensin receptor blockers reduce the frequency of atrial fibrillation and stroke, are also able to prevent cardiovascular and renal events in diabetic patients. Thus, blockade of RAS represents one of the most important strategies in order to reduce cardiovascular risk.
authors.affiliation: Neurologia I e Stroke Unit, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marcheselli
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micieli
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000809:Angiotensins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000378:metabolism; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000809:Angiotensins; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D014665:Vasodilator Agents