ABSTRACT
Since captopril was first introduced in the late 1970s (1), angiotensin-
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have become well established as useful antihypertensive drugs, along with diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium
antagonists. ACE inhibitors may lower blood pressure by blocking the con-
version of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and by causing the accumulation of
kinins. Hypertension is now a worldwide problem fromwhich approximately
one billion people suffer (2), and ACE inhibitors are currently admini-
stered to millions of patients. ACE inhibitors are recommended especially
for those hypertensive patients who have associated high-risk conditions
such as diabetes, chronic renal disease, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure (2). Numerous studies have demonstrated
satisfactory outcomes resulting from the administration of these agents
(3-6).
