Which condition should be avoided when prescribing ARBs?

Angioedema is a condition characterized by swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips, and sometimes causing difficulty in breathing. This adverse reaction is particularly significant in relation to the use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). When a patient has a history of angioedema, especially if it's associated with the use of ACE inhibitors, prescribing ARBs should typically be avoided. Although ARBs are considered to have a lower risk of causing angioedema compared to ACE inhibitors, they may still pose a risk for individuals with a history of angioedema. Therefore, in the context of safety and patient care, avoiding ARBs in such patients is the prudent choice to minimize the potential for serious allergic reactions.

In the case of the other options: hypertension is actually a primary indication for ARBs, heart failure can be effectively managed with ARBs as they can help reduce mortality and morbidity, and coronary artery disease is another condition where ARBs may be beneficial due to their cardiovascular protective effects. Thus, those conditions do not pose the same level of concern regarding the risk of angioedema as a contraindication does.