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      Role of the Circulating and Tissue-Based Renin-Angiotensin System in the Development of Heart Failure: Implications for Therapy

      review-article
      Cardiology
      S. Karger AG
      Heart failure, Renin-angiotensin system, ACE inhibitors

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          Abstract

          The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is believed to play a central role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, there is a wide variability in plasma renin levels in patients with heart failure, and normal plasma renin activity has been documented in patients with mild or compensated disease. Recent evidence has demonstrated the existence of endogenous RAS in a number of tissues associated with cardiovascular homeostasis. It is possible that these tissue RAS are activated in the early stages of heart failure when plasma renin activity is normal, and therefore contribute to the progression of this condition. Angioten-sin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce both circulating and tissue RAS activity. They are of symptomatic benefit and reduce the mortality associated with heart failure. A number of large studies initiated to investigate the effects of the ACE inhibitor enalapril in patients with all degrees of heart failure have been published recently. These studies show that addition of this drug to therapy significantly decreases patient morbidity and mortality, an effect which is most likely due to the suppression of circulating and tissue RAS activity this agent affords. The relationship of the profile of hormonal suppression seen with enalapril and drug dosage to observed beneficial effects on morbidity or mortality is unclear. Given the large range of alternative ACE inhibitors available, their variable structure, potency and duration of action, the potential for differences between agents needs further consideration. Although direct comparative studies are rare, there is a body of work suggesting that such differentiation may be present and may be of clinical significance.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          CRD
          Cardiology
          10.1159/issn.0008-6312
          Cardiology
          S. Karger AG
          0008-6312
          1421-9751
          1993
          1993
          14 November 2008
          : 83
          : 1-2
          : 38-48
          Affiliations
          University Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Gardiner Institute, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
          Article
          175946 Cardiology 1993;83:38–48
          10.1159/000175946
          8261485
          c2bf0145-1e6c-4b1f-8f7b-cbc695e16263
          © 1993 S. Karger AG, Basel

          Copyright: 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.

          History
          : 14 May 1993
          : 01 June 1993
          Page count
          Pages: 11
          Categories
          General Cardiology, Review

          General medicine,Neurology,Cardiovascular Medicine,Internal medicine,Nephrology
          Heart failure,ACE inhibitors,Renin-angiotensin system

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