What condition is Irbesartan primarily used to treat alongside hypertension?

Irbesartan is primarily used to treat diabetic nephropathy, particularly in patients who have type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This condition involves kidney damage due to prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels, which is common in diabetic patients. By managing both hypertension and protecting kidney function, Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), helps to reduce the progression of kidney disease and related complications in these patients.

In this context, while heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease are significant cardiovascular and renal concerns, they are not the primary indications for Irbesartan. Heart failure is more typically managed with different classes of medications, atrial fibrillation may require anticoagulants or antiarrhythmic drugs, and chronic kidney disease management often encompasses a broader range of treatments, depending on the underlying cause and stage. Thus, the focus on diabetic nephropathy highlights the specific protective role Irbesartan plays in kidney health for diabetic patients.