Sacubitril/valsartan is categorized as which type of HF medication?

• A. ARNI
• B. ACE inhibitor
• C. Beta-blocker
• D. Diuretic

Answer: (A)

This question tests how sacubitril/valsartan is classified in heart failure pharmacology. It is an ARNI—an angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor. The drug combines sacubitril, which inhibits neprilysin to raise levels of beneficial natriuretic peptides (promoting vasodilation, natriuresis, and anti-remodeling effects), with valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker that dampens the RAAS system. Together, this pairing reduces both preload and afterload and has been shown to improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

It is not an ACE inhibitor, which would directly inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (and is a different class with distinct mechanism). It is not a beta-blocker, which works by blocking sympathetic beta-adrenergic receptors to slow heart rate and reduce contractility. It is not a diuretic, which lowers blood volume by increasing urine excretion.