[The use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in practice]

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been accepted as drugs of first choice in the treatment of hypertension beside beta-blockers, diuretics and calcium antagonists. ACE inhibitors are effective, well tolerated and produce a small rate of adverse effects. They may be used in mild, moderate and severe hypertension of essential or renal origin regardless of age and sex. Since long term studies are missing, knowledge is lacking whether ACE inhibitors have the same beneficial effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as diuretics and beta-blockers. ACE inhibitors represent one of the best established and documented therapies of chronic congestive heart failure. When ACE inhibitors are added to the conventional treatment of congestive heart failure, the mortality will be reduced in all states of congestive heart failure.