The Effects of Different Classes of Antihypertensive Drugs on Patients with COVID-19 and Hypertension: A Mini-Review.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies showed that patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, proper blood pressure control in hypertensive patients with COVID-19 is of great importance. In this review, we discussed the effects of different classes of antihypertensive drugs on patients with hypertension and COVID-19.

1. Background

Hypertension is a chronic and age-related condition which leads to cardiovascular and renal complications [1]. An increase in the proportion of adults with hypertension was observed from 26.4% in 2000 to 31.1% in 2010 [2].

Effective control of blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure [3]. Antihypertensive drugs comprise different classes of chemical compounds used to prevent and treat high blood pressure [4]. The most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug classes include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and beta-blockers [5].

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), is an emerging respiratory infectious disease, which first occurred in Wuhan, the capital of Chinese province Hubei, in December 2019 [6]. COVID‐19 has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic illness to severe pulmonary infections [7].

Patients with hypertension are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection [8]. Previous studies reported that up to 30% of people with COVID-19 had chronic arterial hypertension, suggesting that hypertension could play an important role in the aggravation of COVID-19 symptoms [9]. Furthermore, hypertensive patients affected by COVID-19 had a higher mortality risk than patients without hypertension [10].

Since hypertension is one of the main risk factors for developing COVID-19, choosing the proper agent for effective control of blood pressure is crucial.

This review focuses on the effects of various available antihypertensive drugs on managing COVID-19 patients with hypertension.

1.1. Alpha-Blockers

Alpha-blockers are a class of drugs that reduce vascular smooth muscle contractions and cause vasodilation [5]. However, they are not used as first-line agents in treating high blood pressure [11]. Several side effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, increased risk of syncope, falls, and fracture, are associated with using alpha-blockers [12].

In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), various stages including hyaline membrane formation in the alveoli, interstitial widening, edema, and fibroblast proliferation were observed [13]. Analyses in the patients with ARDS and pneumonia showed that using alpha-1 adrenergic receptors was associated with a relative risk reduction of 34% for mechanical ventilation and death [14]. Since ARDS caused by COVID-19 results in the typical ARDS pathological changes in the lungs, using alpha-blockers might be beneficial in this setting [13].

1.2. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by inhibiting catecholamines from binding to beta-adrenergic receptors, causing vasodilation of coronary and peripheral arteries [15]. The most common side effects of beta-blockers are bradycardia, constipation, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and bronchospasm [15]. Besides, they have shortening effects on QT interval [16].

A study conducted by Vasanthakumar suggested that using beta-blockers could offer several benefits to treat COVID-19, such as the reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry via downregulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the reduction of complications, such as pulmonary embolism, ARDS, and septic shock [17].

Bauer et al. showed that beta-blockers were not associated with the severity of COVID-19 [18]. Another study suggested that treatment with beta-blockers significantly reduced the risk of serious outcomes [19]. Reynolds et al. also found a lower chance of testing positive for COVID-19 in the patients taking beta-blockers [20].

1.3. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

CCBs are used as a first-line treatment option alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs in the patients with hypertension [21]. CCBs block the movement of calcium into the cells by binding to L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in various organs such as the heart and vascular smooth muscle [22]. A decrease in the intracellular concentration of calcium induces smooth muscle cell relaxation and subsequent blood pressure reduction [23]. Major adverse reactions caused using this group are headaches, flushing, palpitations, peripheral edema, hypotension, atrioventricular block, constipation, and nausea [24].

Zhang et al. reported that CCBs could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication after entry in vitro. Furthermore, amlodipine besylate reduced the mortality rate in hypertensive patients [25]. Another study suggested that nifedipine and amlodipine significantly reduced the death rate and the risk of intubation and mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with COVID-19 [26]. Regarding the mortality rate and the length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, Nouri-Vaskeh et al. found no significant differences in the administration of losartan or amlodipine in COVID-19 patients with primary hypertension [27].

1.4. ACE Inhibitors and ARBs

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat high blood pressure [28]. ACE inhibitors play a role to lower blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which leads to a decrease in angiotensin II production and vasodilation. The action mechanism of ARBs is blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the angiotensin-1 (AT1) receptors [5]. The most important adverse effects of this group are hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, cough, and first-dose hypotension [29]. However, it is debatable whether it is safe to use ACE inhibitors and ARBs in hypertensive patients with COVID-19 [30]. On the one hand, ACE inhibitors and ARBs might upregulate ACE-2 expression, a cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, these drugs were shown to play a protective role in acute lung injury [31].

In this section, we reviewed studies that discussed the effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on the patients with hypertension in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Tables 1 and 2).

Table 1

Studies that showed neutral effects of ACEIs/ARBs on COVID-19 in hypertensive patients.

Study	Country	Drug group	Number of cases	Findings
Gao et al. [57]	China	RAAS inhibitors group	183	No harm
		Non-RAAS inhibitors group	527
Ran et al. [58]	China	ARBs group	100	No increase in the risk of adverse events
		Other antihypertensive drugs	813
Mustafic et al. [59]	France	Hypertensive patients with ACEIs or ARBs use	946	No difference in outcome
		Hypertensive patients without ACEI/ARB use	2035
Haroon et al. [60]	UK	RAAS inhibitor group	29518	No association with all-cause mortality
		CCBs group	18895
Li et al. [63]	China	Total patients with hypertension	362	No association with the severity or mortality
		ACEI/ARBs group	115
Liu et al. [64]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	74	No influence on increasing the severe form of COVID-19 infection
		CCBs group	83
Hu et al. [61]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	65	No influence on the severity and clinical outcome
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	84
Wang et al. [65]	China	Hypertensive patients taking ACEIs/ARBs	315	No increased risk of developing severe COVID-19
		Nonhypertensive patients	308
Kim et al. [62]	Korea	ACEIs/ARBs group	331	No association with COVID-19 severity
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	1580
Sardu et al. [66]	Italy	ACEIs/ARBs group	45	No influence on the prognosis
		CCBs group	17
Khera et al. [67]	USA	Hypertensive patients with the use of at least one antihypertensive drug	2263	No association with the risk of hospitalization or mortality
An et al. [68]	USA	ACEIs/ARBs group	8351	No increased likelihood of COVID-19 infection
		Other groups	8547

Table 2

Studies that showed beneficial effects of ACEIs/ARBs on COVID-19 in hypertensive patients.

Study	Country	Drug groups	Number of cases	Findings
Guo et al. [31]	China	Hypertensive patients in ACEIs/ARBs and non-ACEIs/ARBs treatment groups	3936	Lower mortality rate
Megaly et al. [42]	USA	ACEIs/ARBs group	534	Lower mortality rate
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	2733
Salah et al. [46]	USA, Italy	Total patients with hypertension	16101	Lower mortality rate
		Patients taking ACEIs or ARBs	7816
Wang et al. [47]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	8104	Lower risk of mortality and ventilatory support
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	8203
Zhang et al. [50]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	188	Lower mortality rate
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	940
Negreira-Caamaño et al. [45]	Spain	Previous treatment with ACEIs/ARBs	392	Lower mortality rate
		No previous treatment with ACEIs/ARBs	153
Desai et al. [39]	Italy	Total patients	575	Reduced mortality rate in chronic ACEIs users
		ACEIs or ARBs users	154
Bae et al. [37]	Korea	RAAS inhibitors users	1076	Lower risk of ICU admission
		Never-users of RAAS inhibitors	298
Yang et al. [49]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	43	Lower concentrations of hs-CRP and procalcitonin
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	83
		Controls	125
Meng et al. [43]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	17	Decreased IL-6 levels and peak viral load
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	25
Barochiner et al. [38]	Argentina	Hypertensive patients taking ACEIs or ARBs	8328	Lower risk of death, admission to ICU, and mechanical ventilation
		Under other or no treatment	8983
Lam et al. [41]	USA	Hypertensive patients	614	Lower ICU admission rate and mortality rate
Meng et al. [44]	China	Hypertensive patients in ACEIs/ARBs group	73	Improved clinical outcome such as lower death rate
		Non-ACEIs/ARBs group	186
Kim et al. [40]	Korea	ACEIs/ARBs users	682	Lower clinical outcomes
		Non-users of ACEIs/ARBs	603
Yuan et al. [54]	China	ACEIs/ARBs group	196	Protective effects
		Uncontrolled group	233
Golpe et al. [51]	Spain	Hypertensive patients with hospital admission	69	Lower risk of hospitalization
		Outpatient management	88
Semenzato et al. [52]	France	ACEIs/ARBs group	1524250	Lower risk of hospitalization and intubation
		CCBs group	358306
Tian et al. [55]	China	Discontinued ACEIs/ARBs group	27	Discontinued ACEIs/ARBs group had longer hospital stays
		Other antihypertensive drugs group	26
Chen et al. [53]	China	RAAS inhibitors group	355	Protective effects on mortality
		Non-RAAS inhibitors group	827

ACEIs: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; ARBs: angiotensin II receptor blockers; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; IL-6: interleukin 6; ICU: intensive care unit; RAAS: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; CCBs: calcium channel blockers.

1.4.1. Studies with Beneficial Effects

Data showing the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in the treatment of hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic are rising.

Several studies indicated that angiotensin II plays a crucial role in organ damage and production of various proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α [28]. Furthermore, there is a positive association between elevated angiotensin II levels and lung injury in COVID-19 patients [32]. Therefore, the blockage of RAAS might be beneficial to prevent end-organ damage and inflammatory storm in COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 binds to endothelial and alveolar type 2 epithelial cells that express ACE-2 to a high degree, penetrates the cells via the activation of proteases such as transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), infects these cells, and downregulates the expression of ACE-2 and thereby the ACE-2/Ang (1–7)/Mas-receptors (MasR) signaling pathway [33].

ACE-2 is an enzyme which breaks down angiotensin II into angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) [34]. Ang (1–7) exerts various effects, such as reducing the formation of myofibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and pulmonary fibrosis via MasR signaling pathways that have shown vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antifibrotic properties. This pathway also reduces the harmful effects of ACE-1-Ang II-AT1 receptor axis and at the same time enhances the ACE-2 activity. As a result, ACE-2 captures the S-proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in the plasma and thus prevents the virus from binding to lung cells [33, 35].

Although ACE-2 expression decreases after infection by SARS-CoV-2, numerous studies suggested that ACE inhibitors and ARBs increase the expression of ACE-2 and the plasma levels of Ang (1–7) [35]. It is noteworthy that no clinical data on the effects of ARBs and ACE inhibitors on ACE-2 expression in the lungs are available in either animal or human models [36].

As mentioned earlier, the dysregulation of RAAS due to the increased angiotensin II and decreased ACE-2 can lead to a severe inflammatory response. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may have a beneficial role in preventing these harmful effects by reducing angiotensin II and upregulating ACE-2 [28].

Several studies reported that COVID-19 patients with hypertension using ACE inhibitors/ARBs had a lower mortality rate, the risk of ICU admission, maximal viral load, the need for mechanical ventilation, and also decreased concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin, and IL-6. Furthermore, they showed improved clinical outcomes in this population [31, 37–50].

Two other studies concluded that using ACE inhibitors/ARBs was associated with a significantly lower risk of hospitalization in hypertensive patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 [51, 52]. Furthermore, prehospitalization and in-hospital use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs also had a protective role in treating this population [53, 54]. In Tian et al.'s study, the discontinuation of ACE inhibitors and ARBs resulted in longer hospital stays [55]. In general, ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be discontinued in hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic [47, 56].

1.4.2. Studies with No Adverse Effects

Regarding the use of RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19 patients, some studies have not reported any adverse events in hypertensive patients with COVID-19 [57-59].

It was shown that there is no association between using ACE inhibitors/ARBs and the severity, mortality, clinical outcome, or poor prognosis of COVID-19 in the patients with hypertension [60-65].

Sardu et al. found no significant differences in the study endpoints including ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, cardiac injury, and deaths between patients in ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and CCBs groups [66]. Khera et al. reported that the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs did not increase the risk of hospitalization or mortality in individuals with hypertension [67]. Furthermore, a large cohort study also found no association between using ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased likelihood of COVID-19 infection [68].

1.5. Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a pharmacological antagonist of aldosterone acting as a diuretic and an antihypertensive agent [69]. The most common side effects related to using spironolactone are lethargy, headache, ataxia, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia [70].

Spironolactone is considered a safe option in COVID-19. Due to the increase in circulating ACE-2 and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, spironolactone has a potential protective role in COVID-19 infection [71]. However, this drug has no effects on ACE-2 levels in the lungs [72]. Spironolactone can downregulate androgen-mediated TMPRSS2, which plays an important role in virus activation [71, 73, 74]. Besides, it can prevent pulmonary complications of COVID-19 through its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects [71]. Spironolactone is effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, inhibit cytokine storm, and alleviate organ injury. Therefore, it can protect at all stages of COVID-19 infection [75].

1.6. Diuretics

Diuretics are among the most commonly prescribed agents used for the management of hypertension [4]. An association between using diuretics and several side effects including hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, acid-base changes, and hyperuricemia has been reported [76].

In contrast to other antihypertensive drugs, it was suggested that diuretics could have deleterious effects on cardiopulmonary interactions in COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation [77]. Furthermore, an association between using diuretics and a higher risk of cardiac injuries in COVID-19 has been observed [54].

1.7. Vasodilators and Central-Acting Agents

To date, no study was performed on the effects of vasodilators and central-acting agents on patients with hypertension and COVID-19.

1.8. Direct Renin Inhibitors

Direct renin inhibitors are a class of drugs used to block the effects of renin-angiotensin system [78]. Several adverse events, such as diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, and headache, were reported using aliskiren [79].

Oliveira et al. suggested that aliskiren could play an important role in preventing angiotensin I and II formation by direct blockade of renin and might have beneficial effects in the COVID-19 setting. However, they are associated with decreased ACE-2 expression with less infection gravity [80]. Furthermore, aliskiren was shown to be effective and safe for treating severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension [81].

2. Discussion

Patients with hypertension are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection and mortality [82]. The high prevalence of COVID-19 in the patients with preexisting hypertension raises major concerns about using antihypertensive drugs in such a population [83].

Yuan et al. reported that COVID-19 patients with hypertension taking RAAS inhibitors had a lower risk of death, ICU admissions, and septic shock, and patients who used beta-blockers, CCBs, and diuretics did not show any significant difference compared with the patients with uncontrolled blood pressure [54]. Besides, the patients in the ACE inhibitors and ARBs group had lower IL-6 levels and peak viral load than patients treated with beta-blockers, CCBs, and diuretics [43]. In a detailed meta-analysis, Ren et al. also confirmed that the mortality and severity of COVID-19 were significantly lower in the patients taking ACE inhibitors/ARBs than in controls. No association was found between using other antihypertensive drugs including CCBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics and the incidence and severity of COVID-19 [83]. However, Yan et al. suggested that antihypertensive drugs including ARBs, ACE inhibitors, CCBs, and beta-blockers, except for thiazide diuretics, might be beneficial for COVID-19 patients with hypertension [84].

In addition, previous studies have reported that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection differs between men and women [85]. A systematic review conducted by Abate et al. showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 in males and females was 55 and 45, respectively [86]. In several other studies, the rate of this infection was found to be higher in men than in women [87, 88]. Similarly, the male gender comprised the majority of hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 [89, 90]. Moreover, among the hypertensive population with COVID-19, most patients have been reported to be males [89, 90].

Studies have suggested that the sex disparity of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality is attributed to the differences in chromosomes and sex steroids, more engagement of men in activities such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and higher rates of comorbidities including hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in males [91]. According to these explanations, the gender might also affect the rate of response to hypertension treatment.

In contrast to the other studies, we investigated the effects of antihypertensive drugs on COVID-19 solely in the population of patients with hypertension. Recent data suggest that RAAS inhibitors have beneficial effects such as lower mortality and severity of COVID-19 infection in hypertensive patients [83]. Therefore, when compared to other antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be better choices to treat hypertension in this population. Conversely, diuretics can be considered the least effective drug in the setting of concomitant hypertension and COVID-19.

3. Conclusions

Based on the available literature, it is recommended to continue using antihypertensive agents in the patients with coexisting COVID-19 and hypertension. Furthermore, RAAS inhibitors may have superior beneficial effects to treat hypertension among this population. Further clinical studies on both genders are needed to validate the findings of this review.