Carotid artery intima-media thickness and the renin-angiotensin system

Hosp Pract (1995). 2013 Apr;41(2):54-61. doi: 10.3810/hp.2013.04.1026.

Abstract

Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is a biomarker for cardiovascular disease that also predicts the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is a unique therapeutic modality because it both treats hypertension and improves arterial health and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Controversy exists regarding the role of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in IMT regression. Our article provides an update on how ACE inhibitors and ARBs could play a role in decreasing IMT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Carotid Arteries / drug effects
  • Carotid Arteries / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tunica Intima / drug effects
  • Tunica Intima / pathology*

Substances

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors