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Secondary Prevention After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Revascularisation: Focus on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

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Abstract

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for an estimated one third of all deaths worldwide.

Patients and methods

One group of patients who are at a particularly high risk of cardiovascular events and death are those with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), especially if they have had a previous myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularisation.

Discussion

Lifestyle changes (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, exercise) and cardiac rehabilitation play an important part in reducing risk of recurrent events. In patients with a history of MI and/or those who underwent myocardial revascularisation these have to be supplemented with medication. Several pharmacological agents are known to improve prognosis in these patients, i.e. β-blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). The present article focuses mainly on the role of ACEi in the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with a history of MI or myocardial revascularization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Biology and Surgery Research Centre, St. George’s, University of London, London, UK

    Juan Carlos Kaski

  2. Cardiology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Don Benito–Villanueva, Badajoz, Spain

    Daniel Fernandez-Berges

Authors
  1. Juan Carlos Kaski
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  2. Daniel Fernandez-Berges
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Correspondence to Juan Carlos Kaski.

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Kaski, J.C., Fernandez-Berges, D. Secondary Prevention After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Revascularisation: Focus on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 22, 185–191 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-008-6097-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-008-6097-8

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