[Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors following a myocardial infarct: clinical abd echographic indications].

-Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can limit mortality and the occurrence of cardiac failure after myocardial infarction because they interfere with the ventricular remodelling process. ACE inhibitors also have anti-arrhythmic and possibly anti-ischaemic potency and therefore a primary cardioprotective effect. It is not advised to treat all patients with a myocardial infarction with an ACE inhibitor, but patients with a large anterior wall infarct, with heart failure or who had a previous infarct should be treated. After three months, the remodelling process can be reevaluated. The ACE inhibitor can be discontinued if the left ventricular function has strongly improved. There is no preference for a particular ACE inhibitor.