- Record: found
- Abstract: found
- Article: found
Identification of Risk Factors Predisposing to the Development of Functional Renal Insufficiency during Treatment with Converting-Enzyme Inhibitors in Chronic Heart Failure 1
12 November 2008
ACE inhibitors, Chronic heart failure, Renal insufficiency, Risk factors
Abstract
Contrary to popular belief, the primary directive for the release of renin is not the preservation of circulatory homeostasis, since activation of this hormonal system in patients with chronic heart failure results in deleterious rather than beneficial effects on cardiac performance. Instead, renin appears to be released by the kidneys to maintain glomerular filtration rate when renal perfusion pressure is reduced. The renin-angiotensin system carries out this beneficial action by exerting a constrictor action on the efferent arteriole. In doing so, renal blood flow declines, but filtration fraction increases and thus, glomerular hydraulic filtration pressure (and renal function) is preserved, despite severe renal hypoperfusion. When the formation of angiotensin II is inhibited during converting-enzyme inhibition, the beneficial action of this hormone on the efferent arteriole is lost, and renal function may deteriorate. This sequence of events is most likely to be seen when four risk factors are present: hyponatremia; high-dose diuretic therapy; diabetes mellitus; and the use of long-acting converting-enzyme inhibitors. In randomized studies, renal insufficiency developed more frequently with enalapril and lisinopril than with captopril. This risk of worsening azotemia is particularly high in patients with the most severe (class IV) heart failure.
Related collections
Author and article information
Journal
Affiliations
Article
174559 Cardiology 1989;76:50–55Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.