You may have heard or read about some concerns in the use of ACE-I or ARB drugs (see list at below) in patients with COVID-19. We want to reassure you that you should continue to take these medications without interruption. This is supported by multiple specialty societies. Below is the official statement by the European Society of Cardiology:
“This speculation about the safety of ACE-i or ARB treatment in relation to COVID-19 does not have a sound scientific basis or evidence to support it. Indeed, there is evidence from studies in animals suggesting that these medications might be rather protective against serious lung complications in patients with COVID-19 infection, but to date there is no data in humans.
The Council on Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology wish to highlight the lack of any evidence supporting harmful effect of ACE-I and ARB in the context of the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak.
The Council on Hypertension strongly recommend that physicians and patients should continue treatment with their usual anti-hypertensive therapy because there is no clinical or scientific evidence to suggest that treatment with ACEi or ARBs should be discontinued because of the Covid-19 infection.”
We hope this helps clarify the situation. If you have any further concerns, then please get in touch.
From The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Cardiologists
Example ACE- Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) offered at our clinics: