HEMODYNAMIC-EFFECTS OF INHIBITORS OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM

Purpose: To review the hemodynamic effects of the various classes of i nhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system. Data presentation: First, h emodynamic alterations related to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system were defined. Second, some comparative studies on the various t ypes of inhibitors were examined. Results: Angiotensin converting enzy me (ACE) inhibitors have been well studied in both hypertension and he art failure and have been shown to produce both arteriolar and venous dilation. Renin inhibitors have been shown to achieve equipotent blood pressure reductions to those induced by ACE inhibitors in experimenta l studies; the mechanism of blood pressure reduction was related to a decrease in systemic resistance, without altering the heart rate or ca rdiac output. Angiotensin II antagonists are still being studied. Conc lusions: It may be still too early to predict how useful the renin inh ibitors and the angiotensin II antagonists will be for the therapy of cardiovascular diseases, compared with ACE inhibitors.