ARBs are not ACE Inhibitors. ACE Inhibitors were the original drug in the renin-angiotensin antagonists. They have a big long-term impact in terms of preventing heart attacks. But they also cause cough in up to 20% of patients. ARBs were developed to accomplish the same thing but without the cough. ARBs do decrease blood pressure. And they decrease long term risk for stroke. But they DO NOT decrease the risk of a heart attack. ACE Inhibitors do decrease the risk of heart attacks. There are reasons for this. It is likely due to the fact that ACE Inhibitors cause increased bradykinin by slowing the breakdown of bradykinin). Bradykinin does many things to decrease cv inflammation, include increased Nitric Oxide and decreased monocyte function.
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