Hypertension is the most important controllable and modifiable risk factor for
stroke. The relationship between blood pressure and
stroke mortality is strong and linear.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (
sartans) are competitive pharmacological antagonists of
angiotensin II receptors, and some of them are approved for use in the treatment of
hypertension. These drugs also show anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the
cytokine levels. The anti-inflammatory effects of
sartans play a role in reducing cerebral injury following
stroke, and improve the outcome of
stroke in terms of improving cognitive function. In humans,
sartans are safe in hypertensive
acute stroke patients and may offer advantages independent of blood pressure control.
Sartans promote neovascularization and thereby provide long-term cerebro-protection in terms of vascular protection and enhancement of early angiogenic remodeling. In this review, the beneficial effects of
sartans in the management of
stroke are discussed, considering the results of experimental and clinical studies.