Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition therapy following myocardial infarction. Rationale for clinical trials

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Progressive left ventricular enlargement after myocardial infarction (MI) negatively impacts patient prognosis.
• Left ventricular dysfunction and cavity size are key determinants of outcome post-MI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the rationale for using angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in post-MI patients.
• To summarize ongoing international research on the role of ACE inhibition in post-infarct care.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and clinical data on ACE inhibitor therapy.
• Summary of ongoing large multicenter clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Experimental and clinical data suggest ACE inhibitors can attenuate ventricular enlargement post-MI.
• Large-scale clinical trials are underway to confirm clinical benefits.

Conclusions:

• ACE inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for post-myocardial infarction patients.
• Further research is ongoing to establish the definitive role of ACE inhibitors in post-infarct management.