Effects of converting enzyme inhibitors on coronary flow and myocardial ischemia.

The regulation of coronary hemodynamics is a complex process. One important factor that interferes with the regulation of coronary tone is the pathophysiological state of the vessels: stimuli that in normal vessels provoke no or only a slight vasoconstriction may cause a severe vasoconstriction in diseased vessels. This effect is related to the function of the endothelium and its ability to produce nitric oxide and prostaglandins. The presence of a local renin-angiotensin system implies the possibility of influencing the coronary flow via interference with this local system. Therefore, it is interesting to determine the effects of converting enzyme inhibitors on coronary flow. In animal experiments, a bradykinin-dependent coronary vasodilation by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is suggested. However, reports on the effect of converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with angina pectoris are not consistent. Some authors found an increase in coronary flow and others found no change or a decrease. The importance of the activation of the renin-angiotensin system is discussed. Moreover, it is shown that captopril reduces sympathetic-mediated coronary vasoconstriction during the cold pressor test and that captopril enhances the parasympathetic-mediated bradycardia during the diving response. In conclusion, the effects of converting enzyme inhibitors on coronary flow is an interesting but not fully understood topic. Therefore, the multifactorial mechanism of action of converting enzyme inhibitors deserves further investigation. There are probably subgroups of anginal patients who may benefit from converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. These subgroups have to be defined. Especially, the finding that a converting enzyme inhibitor reduces sympathetically induced coronary vasoconstriction seems promising.