Treatment of heart failure with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

: Stimulation of the renin angiotensin system, catecholamines and antidiuretic hormone causes prominent vasoconstriction in severe heart failure. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors reverse these effects, and thus ameliorate cardiac function and reduce mortality in severe heart failure. Angiotensin II is an important regulator of renal function in diseases with renal hypoperfusion, and treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may cause a serious decrease in glomerular filtration and hyperkalemia. Asymptomatic heart failure, acute heart failure and acute myocardial infarction are areas where angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may prove beneficial in the future.