The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Postangioplasty Restenosis.

Postangioplasty restenosis remains a clinical problem, and various strategies have been used to minimize or eliminate this complication. Stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system has been shown to cause vascular smooth muscle migration, matrix deposition, and endothelial dysfunction, which are possible causes of postangioplasty restenosis, suggesting that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers might ameliorate or prevent restenosis. However, data obtained to date in both animal and human studies of various designs show conflicting results regarding the benefit or lack of benefit of angiotensin inhibition strategies.