Blood pressure medications are essential for people who have high blood pressure also know as hypertension. There are several different types of blood pressure medications. Diovan, also known by the generic name Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin is a very chemical in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow which in turn causes high blood pressure. Diovan blocks this chemical from affecting the heart vessels. By doing this, the blood vessels dilate and blood pressure is reduced. Diovan was introduced in 1996.

Taking Diovan daily will also help the heart to work more efficiently. The heart will not have to work so hard to get the blood pumped out to the rest of the body. This is a very important aspect for someone who may have congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump the blood properly throughout the body. Congestive heart failure can occur from having narrowed arteries to the heart muscle, having had a previous heart attack, having high blood pressure, or having an infection of the heart valves. Diovan has been proven to lower the amount of hospitalizations for people with congestive heart failure. Valsartan has also been used successfully in people with kidney damage from having diabetes.

Valsartan should be taken every day as directed by your primary care physician or cardiologist. It can be taken with food or without food. One of the precautions listed for Diovan is to not take any potassium supplements unless contacting your doctor first. Diovan can raise the potassium levels in the blood which can affect the heart and muscles in the body. Salt substitutes contain potassium so they should not be used by someone taking Valsartan.

Diovan can have some side effects such as dizziness, tiredness or even blurry vision. It will take some time to get used to the medication. If there are any serious side effects such as fainting, a doctor should be contacted immediately. Other serious but not likely side effects are fever, stomach pain, chest pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Immediate medical attention should be sought for any of these side effects.

Valsartan should not be used by pregnant women. It can cause the fetus to develop abnormally and even death in severe cases. Diovan should also not be used by women breastfeeding their babies as it may be passed through the breast milk to the infant.

With the proper use of Diovan, patients with high blood pressure will be on their way to better health in no time.

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