THE EMERGING ROLE OF ACE INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Large clinical studies have established the therapeutic benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension and chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). In patients with hypertension, ACE inhibitors have been shown to lower blood pressure, with an excellent safety profile. They maintain or enhance the perfusion of vital organs and decrease or reverse cardiac hypertrophy without affecting myocardial contractility or conductivity. ACE inhibitors are safe to use in patients with coexisting conditions such as diabetes and asthma. They maintain or improve quality of life. As a consequence, ACE inhibitors are emerging as first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension. In the treatment of CHF, ACE inhibitors have been shown to improve symptoms and morbidity, and to decrease mortality in high-risk patients. The possible benefits of early use of ACE inhibitors in the treatment of CHF are currently under investigation. Also of interest is the theoretical benefit that ACE-inhibitor therapy may have on CHF-related arrhythmias. © 1990 Raven Press, Ltd., New York.