Ace inhibitors and arbs
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to ACE Inhibitors and ARBs
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used medications for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. These drugs work by targeting the renin-angiotensin system, which plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation and fluid balance.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in COVID-19
Risk of Severe or Lethal COVID-19
There has been significant concern about the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A meta-analysis of observational studies found no significant increase in the risk of severe or lethal COVID-19 among hypertensive patients using these medications compared to those not using them. The summary odds ratios were 0.90 for ACE inhibitors and 0.92 for ARBs, indicating no substantial difference in risk. Another review concluded that ACE inhibitors and ARBs do not increase ACE2 expression, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, thus not elevating the risk of COVID-19 complications. These findings support the continued use of these medications during the pandemic.
Comparative Effectiveness in Hypertension
Blood Pressure Control and Side Effects
A systematic review comparing ACE inhibitors and ARBs found them equally effective in lowering blood pressure. However, ARBs were associated with fewer short-term adverse events, such as cough, which is more common with ACE inhibitors. This suggests that while both drug classes are effective, ARBs may be better tolerated by some patients.
Efficacy in Black Patients
Studies indicate that black patients may have a reduced blood pressure response to ACE inhibitors or ARBs when used as monotherapy. However, this reduced efficacy is not observed when these drugs are used in combination with other antihypertensive agents like calcium channel blockers or thiazide diuretics. This highlights the importance of combination therapy in this population.
Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
In patients with CKD, both ACE inhibitors and ARBs significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure and major cardiovascular events compared to placebo. ACE inhibitors also showed a reduction in all-cause mortality, suggesting they might be superior to ARBs in this population. Another meta-analysis confirmed the renoprotective effects of these drugs, although the benefits in diabetic nephropathy remain uncertain.
Mobility and Physical Performance in Older Adults
A study on older adults found that ARBs were associated with a lower risk of major mobility disability compared to ACE inhibitors, although no significant differences were observed in physical performance measures like gait speed. This suggests that ARBs might offer additional benefits in preventing mobility issues in the elderly.
Diabetes Prevention
New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes
ACE inhibitors and ARBs have been shown to reduce the incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes by 27% and 23%, respectively. This effect is particularly beneficial for patients with pre-diabetic conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or hypertension. These findings support the use of these medications in high-risk populations to prevent diabetes.
Safety Considerations
Pregnancy Risks
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are known teratogens and should be used with caution in women of childbearing age. A study found that a significant number of women prescribed these medications did not receive adequate preconception or contraception advice, highlighting the need for improved safety strategies in primary care.
Conclusion
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are essential medications for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. They are effective in lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of kidney failure, and preventing new-onset diabetes. While both drug classes are generally safe, ARBs may be better tolerated and offer additional benefits in certain populations, such as older adults and black patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these medications do not increase the risk of severe disease and should be continued as prescribed. However, caution is necessary when prescribing these drugs to women of childbearing age due to their teratogenic risks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic