COVID-19 e hipertension arterial: ¿existe evidencia para suspender antagonista sistema renina angiotensina?

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, has a high mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension, disorders that share the underlying pathophysiology related to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). SARS-CoV-2 uses the membrane protein angiotensin I and converts angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) into a cellular entry receptor, therefore, RAS, regulated by ACE and ACE2, can be altered in COVID-19 patients. However, it is not yet clear whether the use of antihypertensive drugs ACE2 inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers could potentiate the damage caused by the virus or counteract its effect, especially in the lungs. The challenge is compounded by the exaggerated information published in different scientific journals, which could lead to inappropriate actions, so it is important to quickly differentiate the true epidemic from false hypotheses, which could lead to potentially harmful medical behaviors.