Ace Inhibitor

Adults with type 2 diabetes and a low estimated glomerular filtration rate must be more aggressively managed with tailored treatment options to preserve kidney function and reduce morbidity and mortality risk.

Women with established CVD had lower rates of prescriptions for statins, aspirin and ACE inhibitors compared with men, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Because the virus that causes COVID-19 acts through the ACE2 receptor, there was concern that use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists might predispose people to COVID-19 or worsen its effects. But emerging data suggest that concern is unfounded.

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion increased receipt of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors for Hispanic patients hospitalized for HF, according to data presented at the virtual American Heart Association Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions.

A new study led by the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit will evaluate whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 in health care workers and first responders. This was the top story in cardiology last week.

Many international medical societies have endorsed the continuation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists to control BP in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic despite concerns about the drugs’ relationship to ACE2, the receptor that helps the virus bind to cells. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine recently started the REPLACE COVID trial to provide more information about the effects of these medications in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Available data assessing the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that case fatality rates are higher among men compared with women, and this distinction becomes more pronounced with advancing age. Little evidence supports theories that a higher prevalence of smoking among men or immune factors can explain the higher death rate among men.

Misinformation regarding the associations between the use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers and an increased risk for COVID-19 have been addressed by several American and European cardiology societies. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

Several American and European cardiology societies issued statements to dispel misinformation circulating about an association between treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers and increased risk for COVID-19 and increased severity of the disease for those who have contracted COVID-19.

Safety and effectiveness of common antihypertensive treatments.