What effects does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition have on abnormal flow-mediated epicardial vasomotion in human coronary arteries?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition has been shown to improve abnormal flow-mediated epicardial vasomotion in human coronary arteries. This suggests that bradykinin may play a role in the regulation of vascular tone in these arteries. Studies have also shown that angiotensin II induces expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in rat vasculature, which may link the renin-angiotensin system to atherosclerosis. In addition, ACE inhibition has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction, as well as to reduce cardiovascular and microvascular outcomes in people with diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, ACE inhibition has been shown to reduce electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension.  