Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) pharmacogenomics: implications in heart failure management

Heart Fail Rev. 2010 May;15(3):209-17. doi: 10.1007/s10741-008-9092-z. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with ACE inhibitors has been a cornerstone of heart failure therapy for over 15 years. More recently, further blockade of RAAS with aldosterone antagonists and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been studied. While these therapies have certainly improved outcomes in the treatment of heart failure, morbidity and mortality remain extremely high. Furthermore, polypharmacy and complex regimens of seven medications on average is the norm for management of heart failure. This results in increased costs, patient burden, and uncertainty as to the best course of therapy. The ability to personalize patients' therapeutic regimens using pharmacogenomics has the potential of providing more effective and efficient use of RAAS-modulating medications. This review highlights the implications of major RAAS pharmacogenetic studies, while outlining future directions for translation to practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure / genetics
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / genetics
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics
  • Pharmacogenetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Angiotensin / genetics
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects*
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / genetics

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptors, Angiotensin
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A