Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension.

Converting enzyme inhibitors appear to be a safe and effective class of drug for treating the entire spectrum of hypertension, from very mild to severe. For the vast majority of patients who do not experience adverse side effects, these drugs appear to be remarkably well tolerated and are without the adverse metabolic and depressive effects associated with other antihypertensive drugs. Many patients report an enhanced feeling of well-being and may even experience euphoria. Whenever possible, CEIs should be used in the lowest possible effective dose in order to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit with a minimum or complete absence of adverse effects.