COVID-19 and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors

COVID-19 and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors

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By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDApr 5 2020

A new viewpoint article published in the journal JAMA Network in April 2020 deals with the use of a widely used category of cardiovascular medications in COVID-19 patients with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These are the most common medical conditions that are found in COVID-19 patients and contribute disproportionately to mortality.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)  has been rapidly spreading all over the world, affecting over 1.27 million people and killing almost 70,000 to date. Millions more are at risk. The chances of dying of this illness are as high as 11%, 7%, and 6% in patients with CVD, diabetes, and hypertension.