Is Entresto Used For High Blood Pressure?

This informative article delves into the reasons why doctors might prescribe Entresto, its role in heart health, and its primary mode of action.

Learn about this medication’s potential benefits for patients with heart conditions and how it differs from other treatments.

Introduction

Entresto is a medication that has gained significant attention for its role in managing heart conditions. Originally developed to treat heart failure, it has shown promising results in various cardiovascular conditions.

In this article, we explore why doctors may prescribe Entresto, how it benefits the heart, and its main mechanism of action.

Why Would a Doctor Prescribe Entresto?

Entresto is primarily prescribed for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to various symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Doctors may prescribe Entresto for the following reasons:

a. Improved Quality of Life: Entresto has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms, leading to a better quality of life for heart failure patients.

b. Reduced Hospitalizations: Studies have demonstrated that Entresto can reduce the risk of heart failure-related hospitalizations, thus decreasing the burden on healthcare resources.

c. Prolonged Survival: Entresto has been associated with a decrease in mortality rates among heart failure patients, making it a crucial therapeutic option.

d. Alternative to ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: Entresto is considered an alternative or an addition to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) for heart failure patients who cannot tolerate these medications.

What Does Entresto Do for Your Heart?

Entresto contains two active ingredients: sacubitril and valsartan. These components work in tandem to provide several benefits for heart health:

a. Vasodilation: Valsartan, an ARB, helps widen blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and easing the heart’s workload.

b. Neprilysin Inhibition: Sacubitril inhibits neprilysin, an enzyme responsible for breaking down beneficial peptides. By inhibiting neprilysin, Entresto increases the levels of these peptides, leading to vasodilation, diuresis, and a decrease in inflammation.

c. Sodium and Fluid Balance: Entresto’s neprilysin inhibition helps improve sodium and fluid balance in the body, reducing fluid retention and swelling often associated with heart failure.

What Is the Main Action of Entresto?

The primary mode of action of Entresto lies in its ability to simultaneously inhibit neprilysin and block angiotensin receptors:

a. Neprilysin Inhibition: By inhibiting neprilysin, Entresto increases the levels of beneficial peptides like natriuretic peptides, which promote vasodilation and diuresis, leading to reduced blood pressure and decreased fluid retention.

b. Angiotensin Receptor Blockade: Valsartan, as an ARB, blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure. This allows blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease.

Conclusion

Entresto plays a crucial role in managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, offering several benefits such as improved quality of life, reduced hospitalizations, and prolonged survival.

Its unique mechanism of action, combining neprilysin inhibition with angiotensin receptor blockade, contributes to its efficacy in treating heart conditions.

However, as with any medication, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and appropriate usage.