[Converting enzyme inhibitors or AT1 receptor blockers]

The arrival of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), and AT1 angiotensin selective receptors blockers, has changed the panorama of systemic high blood pressure and cardiac insufficiency treatments. These inhibitors and blockers have also been useful in cases of left asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction, myocardial infarction and post-infarction and various nephropathies--not only diabetes dependent but due to other etiologies as well. Furthermore, its application in primary prevention of coronary cardiopathies has started to become evident. The main advantages of this new group of drugs are their relative harmlessness and lesser undesirable side effects, as those caused by other antihypertensives agents. The AT1 receptor inhibitors of angiotensin have actually not proven to be superior than the ACE inhibitors (although the latter are not worse) but are better tolerated and protect a greater period of time with a single dosage. A greater number of macro studies with selective AT1 receptor blockers is necessary to know its right place in therapeutics.