[Current aspects of ACE inhibitor therapy from the cardiologic viewpoint].

From a cardiologist's view there are several established indications for the use of ACE-inhibitors like hypertension, heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. In other forms of coronary artery disease like stable and unstable angina and prevention of arteriosclerotic complications. ACE-inhibitors are under discussion. As antihypertensives ACE-inhibitors are about equally effective as calcium blockers, betablockers and diuretics without the negative effects on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Vascular and cardial remodelling are prevented with ACE-inhibitors at least to a certain degree. In heart failure ACE-inhibitors reduce morbidity and mortality, if left ventricular ejection fraction is reduced. In acute myocardial infarction ACE-inhibitors are indicated in overt heart failure, depressed left ventricular function and high-risk-patients. In silent ischaemia and secondary prevention ACE-inhibitors are under discussion.