New findings about ACE Inhibitor meds

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

June 25, 2002

Familiar Blood Pressure Drugs Find an Array of Novel Uses

By MARY DUENWALD

For 20 years, doctors have used ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure in heart patients. But now it is becoming increasingly clear that these drugs-with names like ramipril and capoten-can do much more than merely relax the arteries, allowing blood to flow more freely.

Results of the newest studies of ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, and of newer drugs known as A.R.B.'s (angiotensin receptor blockers), which work in a similar way-have shown that they can prevent heart attack, stroke and even new cases of diabetes in a variety of patients. ACE inhibitors appear also to be able to slow muscle decline in the elderly. The drugs' ability to provide all these benefits, doctors say, extends beyond their effect on blood pressure.

Full story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/25/health/25ACE.html?pagewanted=print&position=top

[jevans]

Wow

thanks- I work on a stroke unit most of our patients are on ramipril.

j

[Sleepyeyes]

Very good news here in elder-popular FL! thanks for posting!

[Y2KRN]

Interesting!!!

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

Unfortunately, this drug can kill the kidneys, so if cardiac pt's aren't placed on it early, if they have borderline renal function, it can really be a problem. Also, the cough can be a prolem for some pt's. I also found a new drug, it's a combo of an ARB and ca channel blocker. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name, but I think it's something like Tarak, I know it begins w a T

[TEXASWAG, MSN, RN]

MY MOM DEVELOPED A COUGH WHEN TAKING AN ACE INHIBITOR, SO HER DOC TOOK HER OFF THAT MED FOR HER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. BUT I DO HAV A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MINE WHO TAKES IT TO HELP PROTECT HIS KIDNEYS. HE'S 33 AND A TYPE II DIABETIC AND DOING GREAT.