What are the benefits of ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure?
ACE inhibitors can reduce morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have clearly established the benefits of ACE inhibition in patients with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of HF and in patients with or without coronary artery disease. ACE inhibitors can produce angioedema and should be given with caution to patients with low systemic blood pressures, renal insufficiency, or elevated serum potassium. ACE inhibitors also inhibit kininase and increase levels of bradykinin, which can induce cough but also may contribute to their beneficial effect through vasodilation.