The role of ACE inhibitor therapy in treating cardiovascular disease.

The first angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were introduced in 1981. They are used in the management of a variety of cardiovascular disorders and their role in hypertension, heart failure, managing asymptomatic and symptomatic left-ventricular dysfunction, post-myocardial infarction, stroke prevention, and diabetes is now well established. This is recognised in the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease (Department of Health, 2000) and the guidelines from the British Hypertension Society (Ramsay et al, 1999). Nurses have a responsibility as part of the multidisciplinary team to have knowledge of various aspects of these drugs.