Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Palpitation Risk

ARB Class Safety Profile

• ARBs demonstrate significantly fewer side effects than ACE inhibitors, with a side effect profile comparable to placebo in the majority of studies conducted primarily in hypertension, according to the European Society of Cardiology 1, 2
• The European Society of Cardiology notes that ARBs are generally well-tolerated with adverse effects significantly less common than with ACE inhibitors, particularly regarding cough 1

Individual Patient Factors

• Individual patient factors, including comorbidities such as heart failure, post-MI status, and atrial fibrillation history, may influence ARB selection more than palpitation risk alone, as suggested by the American Heart Association, with evidence from Circulation and the European Heart Journal 3, 4

Monitoring and Adverse Effects

• The European Society of Cardiology recommends standard monitoring should focus on blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels when prescribing any ARB 2