[The significance of generic valsartan in the treatment of patients].

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is involved in the regulation of electrolyte and water balance primarily; however, it also influences vascular function and increases blood pressure--especially under pathological conditions. Hypertension, post-myocardial infarction state, and heart failure are, for example, associated with excessive systemic and/or local activation of the RAAS. Angiotensin II (AT-II) generated by the latter, contributes--along with additional factors and through its deleterious effects (vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, prothrombotic state, fibrosis, etc.)--to damage to the target organs involved in the sequence of cardiovascular events. Inhibiting the RAAS at different levels is of therapeutic importance--its purpose is to delay disease progression, to prevent end organ damage, and to achieve a better outcome. As AT-II acts on several (AT1 and AT2) receptors, using angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) agents with a high selectivity for the AT1 receptor is the rational choice. In view of its favourable therapeutic properties and efficacy demonstrated by morbidity and mortality studies, a generic formulation of appropriate quality, containing valsartan as active substance could prove to be the ideal treatment for patients with hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.