ACE inhibitors and ARBs

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) helps maintain haemodynamic stability by regulating blood pressure (BP), water, and electrolyte balance. Inappropriate or abnormal activation of the system can lead to excessive vasoconstriction, abnormal muscular hypertrophy, and fibrosis. This is associated with many cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, chronic heart failure (CHF), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, and with renal disorders such as diabetic nephropathy. The RAAS and pharmacological targets for current therapies are shown in figure 1 (page 4).