Article Abstract:
Three different research studies evaluated the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to prevent heart failure in patients with cardiac dysfunction. Patients who have had a heart attack often have damage to their heart that causes progressive cardiac dysfunction. One study found that treatment with enalapril before the onset of heart failure did not increase survival significantly in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, the heart is incapable of pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Treatment with enalapril did increase survival by 8%, which may hold some promise for the future. Another study found that early treatment with captopril in heart attack patients with some left ventricular dysfunction may increase survival. The third study found that starting early treatment of heart attack patients with enalapril did not increase survival.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Many patients with risk factors for heart disease may benefit from ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors block the activity of angiotensin II. This is a natural substance in the body that has a beneficial effect provided that it is not produced in excess amounts. The first ACE inhibitor was developed in 1977 but by the 1980s, it was clear that they had many actions beyond their ability to lower blood pressure. They seem to protect the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels from long-term activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II-receptor blockers appear to slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and should be used more often. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing, and diabetes is a major risk factor for end-stage kidney disease.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: