Angiotensin receptor blockers: novel role in high-risk patients.

The identification of patients at high risk for cardiovascular events is imperative in the reduction of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Although coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular events, we are now faced with emerging fronts because of an increase in life expectancy and the epidemic of hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Recent data emphasize the beneficial role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers. This article addresses the role of RAAS activation in the high-risk metabolic milieu and the role of angiotensin receptor blockers in targeting and inhibiting the RAAS for cardiovascular protection.