Efficacy and safety of lisinopril in older patients with essential hypertension.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy has been thought to be more effective in hypertensive patients with normal or elevated levels of renin in the plasma. However, several studies have challenged this concept by demonstrating the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril and enalapril) in older patients, among whom a low level of renin activity in the plasma is common, and in other patients with low-renin essential hypertension. Lisinopril, a new long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, also has been shown to be an effective antihypertensive agent in older patients. This report examines data from 97 older and 710 younger hypertensive patients enrolled in four multicenter trials of eight to 12 weeks' duration. In these trials, the dose of lisinopril was titrated until a diastolic pressure of less than 90 mm Hg was reached, or to a maximal dose of 80 mg per day. In general, the antihypertensive effect achieved in older patients with lisinopril was equal to or greater than that achieved in younger patients. The drug was generally well tolerated. Lisinopril can be expected to be used frequently in older patients.