Drug suppression of the angiotensin system in congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure is frequently associated with elevated systemic vascular resistance. Lowering resistance can improve cardiac performance and alleviate symptoms. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors offer a new way to lower resistance and have certain advantages, including the inhibition of compensatory mechanisms. However, skillful use of these compounds demands a thorough understanding of their pharmacologic properties and of the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure.
D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002216:Captopril / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D012504:Saralasin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013722:Teprotide / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000804:Angiotensin II; D002216:Captopril; D013722:Teprotide; D012504:Saralasin