ACE inhibitors in cardiovascular disease. Which patient? Which drug? Which dose?

The increasing role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy in cardiovascular disease makes it important for the practising clinician to be aware of the specific benefits afforded by these agents. This article covers the use of ACE inhibitors in hypertension, chronic heart failure, post myocardial infarction, diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis, with specific reference to clinical trial data and proposed mechanisms of effect.