title: beta-blockers, angiotensin II, and ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure.
abstract: Blood concentrations of angiotensin II are often raised in patients with heart failure, despite treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. We compared concentrations of angiotensin II in two groups of matched patients, receiving ACE inhibitor therapy with or without concomitant administration of beta-blockers. Concentrations of angiotensin II were lower in individuals taking beta-blockers than in those who were not (geometric mean 1.1 [95% CI 0.4-2.7] vs 15.5 [4.6-52.6] fmol/mL, 95% CI for difference 3-59). Our findings indicate that a reduction in angiotensin II concentrations might contribute to the therapeutic benefits of beta-blockade in heart failure, especially in patients who simultaneously receive ACE inhibitor treatment.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Esler
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaye
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000097:blood*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000804:Angiotensin II