Renin-angiotensin blockade is associated with increased mortality after vascular surgery.

Purpose: The outcome of patients with preoperative renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, achieved either by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocking agents, was assessed using 30-day mortality as a primary end point.

Methods: An observational cohort study of 883 consecutive patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (AAA) was undertaken and analyzed using a propensity score matched study. The data collected included medical history, anesthetic techniques, and postoperative outcomes.