[What is the purpose of dual or triple inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?].

The blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is helpful in the management of arterial hypertension, congestive heart failure, post-myocardial infarction and diabetic nephropathy. Such blockade can be obtained with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a specific antagonist of angiotensin II AT1 receptors, an aldosterone receptor antagonist and/or a direct inhibitor of renin such as aliskiren. Various studies have demonstrated that a dual or even triple RAAS inhibition may offer a better cardiorenal protection, in refractory congestive heart failure and in nephropathy with proteinuria. However, in the ONTARGET study, the dual inhibition with ramipril plus telmisartan did not provide any additional benefit compared to ramipril alone in high-risk cardiovascular patients, but showed a worse tolerance profile.