Expanding the paradigm of the renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
The renin-angiotensin system acts systemically and locally to influence vascular tone, blood volume, myocardial contractility, thromboresistance, and tissue responses to injury. ACE inhibitors have assumed a vital role in the treatment of patients with ventricular dysfunction, including those who have sustained one or more myocardial infarctions. The greatest benefits appear over time and not unexpectedly are most pronounced in cases of moderate to severe reduction in left ventricular performance. Emerging evidence suggests that the paradigm for ACE inhibitor use will expand even further, opening new doors for patient care.
Greenwald
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L
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655.
Becker
R C
RC
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors