Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and the cardiovascular system.
OBJECTIVE
To show that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors benefit the cardiovascular system to a greater extent than other antihypertensive agents.


METHODS
An extensive literature search has shown that ACE inhibitors can induce regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, which may improve systolic and/or diastolic function in the left ventricle; increase in arterial compliance; and improve clinical signs of congestive heart failure and reduce mortality in patients with severe heart failure. In addition, ACE inhibitors have either a neutral or a beneficial effect on blood lipids and lipoproteins. These agents also have potential anti-ischaemic and anti-arrhythmic activity but do not depress resting cardiac function.


CONCLUSIONS
ACE inhibitors are uniquely valuable first-line antihypertensive agents, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk.
Dzau
V J
VJ
Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305-5246.
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy; D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000188:drug therapy; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008055:Lipids; D008074:Lipoproteins