Candesartan

In people with disease, candesartan has solid trials. It lowered cardiovascular death and heart failure admissions in chronic heart failure [1]. In older adults with mild hypertension, candesartan-based treatment lowered non-fatal stroke but not overall cardiovascular events or cognitive decline [2]. In older adults with high blood pressure and mild cognitive impairment, it did better than lisinopril on one test of executive function [3].

For prevention, candesartan given to adults with high-normal blood pressure delayed the onset of hypertension while it was taken, but most of the effect faded after it was stopped [4]. In mice, deleting the main angiotensin II receptor extended lifespan [5].

No trial has tested candesartan in people with normal blood pressure to slow aging or extend life.

• Candesartan is a prescription drug approved for high blood pressure and heart failure. Taking it without either condition to slow aging is off-label and untested.
• It can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, raise potassium and, in some people, reduce kidney function, so blood pressure, potassium and creatinine need checking.
• It must not be taken in pregnancy because it can harm the fetus, and it should not be combined with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren in most people.
• Dehydration, heavy sweating or diuretics make low blood pressure and kidney effects more likely.