We have received many questions from our GPs, specialist colleagues and patients regarding the speculation that patients with COVID-19 who are receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be at increased risk for adverse outcomes.
What we know:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for COVID-19, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors can increase ACE2 levels.
- Patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes who are infected with COVID-19 may have a more severe clinical course.
- However, there is no evidence to support an association between continuation of ACE inhibitors or ARBs and more severe infection, or decreased severity of COVID-19 after stopping these medications.
- Discontinuing ACE inhibitors or ARBs in some patients may exacerbate comorbid cardiovascular or kidney disease and lead to increased mortality.
- So we strongly recommend that patients receiving ACE inhibitors or ARBs should continue treatment. This approach is supported by the current guidelines.
Heart HQ is here to help.
Our cardiologists are still working full time.
- We offer state-of-the-art telehealth consultations for all patients
- Do not hesitate to contact our on-call cardiologist hotline on 07 5414 1145 regarding all urgent/inpatient referrals.
- We have a cardiologist on call 24/7/365.
- We follow strict infection control protocols to protect patients, visitors and staff to assist in minimising the risk of any infection.