Valsartan is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Valsartan is also used to treat heart failure and left ventricular failure after a heart attack. Left ventricular failure occurs when the left side of the heart (the main pumping chamber) becomes stiff and enlarged or swollen. This causes pooling of blood in the lungs because the heart is not pumping properly.