title: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of  valsartan  in the post-myocardial infarction population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The most common risk factors for heart failure are hypertension and myocardial infarction. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate the deleterious effects of angiotensin II. Valsartan is a once or twice daily ARB that is FDA-approved for hypertension, LV dysfunction post-myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure as both an adjunct in ACE-inhibitor tolerant, and alternative in ACE-I intolerant patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article presents a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valsartan, with particular attention paid to the post-myocardial infarction population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Valsartan is a safe, well-tolerated and readily titratable ARB. In addition to its vasodilatory effects there are pleotropic effects associated with the ARB such as modulation of a number of neurohormonal regulators, cytokines and small molecules. Given the clear evidence-based benefits above and beyond its hypertensive properties, it has the potential, if priced appropriately, to grow in its impact as a pharmacotherapeutic long after its patent expires.
authors.affiliation: Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cardiology Section, 1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212-263, USA.
authors.forename: Cassandra D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Benge
authors.forename: James A S
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Muldowney
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000494:pharmacology; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D000068756:Valsartan
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D013777:Tetrazoles; D000804:Angiotensin II; D000068756:Valsartan; D014633:Valine