[Enzyme converting inhibitors. Current knowledge and perspectives].

Abstract

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (CEI) are logically proposed for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure because of their effect on reducing arteriol resistance. When administered early after myocardial infarction, CEI reduce mortality, particularly patients with severely deteriorated myocardium. Up to 74 lives can be saved for every 1000 patients treated. This beneficial effect is additive with that resulting from aspirin, beta-blockers and fibrinolysis. The effect occurs within the first month of treatment if initiated within the first 24 hours following the infarction, and persists even if treatment is discontinued. Tolerance is generally good, but dosage must be adapted in case of hypotension or temporary renal failure. Macroproteinuric nephropathy in insulin-dependent-diabetes is another indication for CEI. Captopril and enalapril have been shown to slow progression of renal failure and decrease the risk of death and of chronic dialysis. Further studies are being conducted to determine the effect of CEI in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Finally, experimental arguments suggest that atherosclerosis is partly dependent on the renin/angiotensin system and that CEI might inhibit its development. Most clinical trials evaluating the action of CEI on atheromatosis have studied the effect in the carotid and coronary arteries.