Long-term Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor Treatment Attenuates Adrenergic Responsiveness without Altering Hemodynamic Control in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Long-term ACE inhibitor treatment in patients with preserved left ventricular function alters neither the endocrine response nor the hemodynamic stability during cardiac surgery. However, a significantly attenuated adrenergic responsiveness associated with incomplete blockade of the plasma renin-angiotensin system supports the hypothesis that inhibition of angiotensin II generation and of bradykinin degradation within the vascular wall mediates some of the vasodilatory effects of ACE inhibitors.