[Converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of arterial hypertension].

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, in comparison with other antihypertensive agents, offer unquestionable advantages in the treatment of hypertension. They do not alter cerebral blood flow. They improve cardiac function by decreasing postload, by preventing left ventricular hypertrophy and by decreasing myocardial excitability which engenders dysrhythmias. They increase compliance of large arteries and correct renal hemodynamic disturbances in hypertensive patients. Finally, they do not cause metabolic disturbances involving serum blood sugar, uric acid or lipids, and they help conserve potassium in patients on diuretics.