(veno and arteriolar vasodilators)

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs):

  1. Several studies prove the beneficial effects ACEI in heart failure regarding symptoms, mortality and frequency of hospitalization.

  2. Precautions : These drugs should be carefully introduced to: Patients with heart failure because of the risk of first dose hypotension, Patients with renal failure (estimate serum creatinine before and after administration & discontinue if serum creatinine rises by more than 30% of base-line level).

  3. Contraindications: see hypertension should not exceed 50 mg/day.

They include:

  • Captopril , Enalapril Lisinopril…………….. .

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs)**

  • They have similar hemodynamic effects to ACE e.g