[The effect of acetylsalicylic acid on hypotensive action of enalapril in hypertensive patients].

The complex hypotensive action of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) results not only from inhibition of converting not active angiotensin I to strong vasoconstrictor-angiotensin II but also from diminution of inactivation of potent vasodilator-bradykinin. Bradykinin promotes generation by endothelium such substances as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, prostacyclin and nitric oxide. Simultaneous therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, which inhibits synthesis of prostanoids, and ACEI may block one of potent hypotensive mechanisms of ACEI. This study indicates that concomitant therapy with 150 mg of aspirin per day does not reduce hypotensive efficacy of enalapril.