Comparative effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers on pulmonary function in hypertensive patients

Objectives Hypertension is a very common cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to treat hypertension. Many patients with hypertension are vulnerable to the antihypertensive adverse effects, which potentially reduces the adherence rate. Therefore, we conducted this study in order to evaluate the safety profile of both classes (ACEi and ARBs) on respiratory functions. Methods Two main groups of subjects were studied: first group is healthy control subjects and the second group is hypertensive patients, which was subdivided into subgroups in order to investigate the effect of all tested medications (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, and valsartan). Respiratory efficiency was evaluated by measuring pulmonary function tests: FEV1, FVC, and FEV1%. Measurements were done using micromedical spirometer. Results We found that ARBs do not impair normal respiratory functions as measured by FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC in hypertensive patients. While ACEi treatments significantly reduced FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC compared to the other groups. Conclusions ARBs are not associated with any harmful effects on respiratory functions in hypertensive patients, unlike ACEi. As such, they could represent a first-choice treatment for hypertensive patients who are at high risk to the respiratory adverse effects.