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Published on: May 26, 2022
Combination ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers for hypertension
Patrick M Finnegan1, Brenda L Gleason
1St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO 63110-1088, USA.
Insights
Combined angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for hypertension shows statistically significant blood pressure reduction. However, clinical significance is lacking, and more trials are needed for recommendation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors offer incomplete renin-angiotensin system blockade.
- This can lead to diminished blood pressure control in some hypertensive patients.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may offer additive blood pressure reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the efficacy of combined ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy.
- To evaluate the use of this combination for managing essential hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, IPA, and EMBASE databases.
- Searched for studies published between 1966 and April 2003.
- Utilized keywords: ACE inhibitor, ARB, essential hypertension, combination therapy.
Main Results:
- Studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in blood pressure with combined ACE/ARB therapy.
- The renin-angiotensin system blockade was more complete with the combination.
- However, the clinical significance of these blood pressure reductions was not clearly established.
Conclusions:
- Combined ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy achieves statistically significant blood pressure reduction.
- The clinical benefit and significance of this combination therapy require further investigation.
- Additional clinical trials are necessary before recommending routine use of ACE/ARB combination therapy for hypertension.
Objective:
To review data concerning combined angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for hypertension.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE (1966-April 2003), IPA (1970-April 2003), and EMBASE (1974-April 2003) with search terms of ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, essential hypertension, and combination therapy.
Data Synthesis:
ACE inhibitors provide incomplete blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, sometimes leading to loss of blood pressure control. Addition of ARBs may in theory further reduce blood pressure. Studies of combined ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy for managing hypertension were evaluated.
Conclusions:
While studies have shown statistically significant blood pressure reductions with ACE/ARB combination therapy, clinical significance is lacking. Further trials are needed before routine use of the combination can be recommended.
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