Regulation of the renin–angiotensin system in coronary atherosclerosis: a review of the literature

RA Hammoud, CS Vaccari, SH Nagamia… - Vascular health and …, 2007 - Taylor & Francis
RA Hammoud, CS Vaccari, SH Nagamia, BV Khan
Vascular health and risk management, 2007Taylor & Francis
Activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is significant in the pathogenesis of
cardiovascular disease and specifically coronary atherosclerosis. There is strong evidence
that the RAS has effects on the mechanisms of action of atherosclerosis, including fibrinolytic
balance, endothelial function, and plaque stability. Pharmacological inhibition of the renin
angiotensin system includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin
receptor blockers (ARBs), and renin inhibitors. These agents have clinical benefits in …
Activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is significant in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and specifically coronary atherosclerosis. There is strong evidence that the RAS has effects on the mechanisms of action of atherosclerosis, including fibrinolytic balance, endothelial function, and plaque stability. Pharmacological inhibition of the renin angiotensin system includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and renin inhibitors. These agents have clinical benefits in reducing morbidity and mortality in the management of hypertension. In addition, ACE inhibitors and ARBs have shown to be effective in the management of congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. This review article discusses the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involving the RAS in coronary atherosclerosis as well as the effects of RAS inhibition in clinical studies involving coronary atherosclerosis.
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