Defining the role of zofenopril in the management of hypertension and ischemic heart disorders.

Zofenopril is a specific ACE inhibitor with antihypertensive, remarkable antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties, including the ability to improve endothelial function and protect against ischemia. These beneficial properties of zofenopril are believed to be due primarily to the presence of a sulfhydryl group and the highly lipophilic nature of the agent. As a potent, long-acting ACE inhibitor with tissue selectivity, it is a useful agent for the treatment of a number of cardiovascular diseases. ACE inhibitors block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and are recommended in the management of hypertension with associated risk factors because of their renoprotective and cardioprotective effects. There is a robust body of comparative data supporting zofenopril as an effective and well tolerated ACE inhibitor for treating hypertension. Hypertensive patients frequently require combination therapy to adequately control BP. ACE inhibitors combined with a diuretic make a very effective combination, as a result of the synergistic mechanisms of these two drug classes that allow good efficacy and favorable tolerability at low doses. The combination of zofenopril and hydrochlorothiazide is effective and superior to monotherapy with either agent. Clinical studies have demonstrated that early administration of zofenopril in patients with acute myocardial infarction is effective and well tolerated for reducing the incidence of major cardiovascular events in at-risk patients, and it is believed that much of the benefit is a result of the primary cardioprotective effect of zofenopril.