The recent development of several new, non-peptide, orally active angiotension II receptor antagonists is revolutionizing the treatment of patients with hypertension and various cardiovascular disorders. In this book, experts review the current state of angiotension II antagonists and survey the progress of these diverse applications. Issues relating to angiotension II and their receptors are examined in relation to their effects on the kidney, non-diabetic renal disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and various other disorders. The combination of AT1 receptor antagonists with other antihypertensive agents is reviewed in depth. The clinical attributes of these drugs are complemented by in-depth reviews of the physiology and pharmacology of angiotension II peptides. The authors present the most recent findings in ligand recognition, activation, signal coupling, desensitization and functional alterations of vessels, especially small arteries, in patients with hypertension.