Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation: focus on Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for an estimated one third of all deaths worldwide.


METHODS
One group of patients who are at a particularly high risk of cardiovascular events and death are those with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), especially if they have had a previous myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularisation.


CONCLUSIONS
Lifestyle changes (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, exercise) and cardiac rehabilitation play an important part in reducing risk of recurrent events. In patients with a history of MI and/or those who underwent myocardial revascularisation these have to be supplemented with medication. Several pharmacological agents are known to improve prognosis in these patients, i.e. beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). The present article focuses mainly on the role of ACEi in the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with a history of MI or myocardial revascularization.
Kaski
Juan Carlos
JC
Division of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Biology and Surgery Research Centre, St. George's, University of London, London, UK. jkaski@sgul.ac.uk
Fernandez-Berges
Daniel
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors