title: Aliskiren in the treatment of hypertension and organ damage.
abstract: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factor and cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in the development of hypertension, cardiac and renal diseases. RAAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes. However, studies have shown that residual morbidity and mortality remains high, despite current optimal treatment. More comprehensive control of the RAAS might provide additional reductions in morbidity and mortality. Direct renin inhibitors such aliskiren offer the potential for enhanced RAAS control as they target the system at the point of activation, thereby reducing plasma renin activity; by contrast, ACEI and ARBs increase plasma renin activity. The efficacy of aliskiren in the reduction of major clinical events is being tested in large ongoing clinical trials. This review examines the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of aliskiren, and considers the evidence for the potential organ protection benefits of this treatment.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Manfredonia, Foggia, Italy. griccioni@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Graziano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riccioni
mesh_terms: D000577:Amides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005650:Fumarates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D005650:Fumarates; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors; C446481:aliskiren