The implications of a growing evidence base for drug use in elderly patients Part 2. ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in heart failure and high cardiovascular risk patients.

Traditionally, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been used for the management of patients with congestive cardiac failure. Studies performed over the last decade have demonstrated that (1) angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are as effective as ACE inhibitors in reducing morbidity and mortality in cardiac failure; and (2) inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system provides beneficial effects in patients at high cardiovascular risk without cardiac failure. This review focuses on the applicability of the results of the main trials with ACE inhibitors and ARBs to the elderly population.