ACE Inhibitors More Effective for Heart Patients with Reduced Kidney Function

Results from the PEACE–Prevention of Events With an ACE inhibitor–trial has found that treatment with ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and trandolapril*, appears to be more effective at reducing the risk of death in patients with existing heart condition and impaired kidney function. When compared to study participants on placebo,

• Heart patients who met the definition of reduced kidney function had a 27 percent decrease in death rate from all causes if treated with ACE inhibitors
• Heart patients with adequate kidney function experience a 6 percent decrease in the rate of death.

Doctors suggest that heart patients be screened for kidney function because even a small degree of impairment can alter the effectiveness of your medication.

*The PEACE study used trandolapril.

Forbes, June 28, 2006

Technorati Tags: heart disease, kidneys, kidney function, renal disease, kidney disease, ace inhibitors, angiotensin converting enzyme, captopril, lisinopril, enalapril, trandolapril, cardiovascular disease, cvd