ACE inhibitors versus ARBs: Comparison of practice guidelines and treatment selection considerations

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) play a role in the treatment of hypertension (HTN) and heart failure (HF). The literature shows that in patients with HTN with comorbidities, such as HF, myocardial infarction (Ml), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and stroke, ACE inhibitors and ARBs appear to provide added benefit beyond solely lowering blood pressure. In addition, clinical trials have also demonstrated that ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be beneficial in the prevention of diabetes, atrial fibrillation (AF), and recurrent stroke. This review evaluates the practice guidelines and current literature to assess the implications for the use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs in HTN and HF.