What are aldosterone antagonists?
Aldosterone antagonists (or aldosterone blockers) are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work on the same hormone system as ACE inhibitors and ARBs, but in a slightly different way. Aldosterone antagonists block the receptors in the body for the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidneys to hold onto more potassium and get rid of more fluid by increasing urine output. Less fluid in the body means lower blood pressure and less total blood volume, reducing the heart’s workload and easing the strain on the heart. Getting rid of excess fluid helps relieve the symptoms of heart failure that are caused by fluid buildup, such as shortness of breath and swelling in the legs. Aldosterone antagonists are not routine therapy for women with heart failure because they are less proven than other medications in the same class, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs. but are beneficial in selected women with systolic heart failure (blood pumping problems) who hav
