COVID-19 Prognosis in Patients With/Without a History of ACEI/ARB Consumption

Hypertension is a critical risk factor in increasing the mortality rate of COVID-19 inpatients. This association can be confounded by a history of consuming some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs). This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 prognosis in patients with/without a history of taking ACEIs and ARBs.  This single-center, prospective, observational study was performed on 345 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Baqiyatallah Hospital. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: with a history of ACEI/ARB consumption (the case group, n=115) and without such a history (the control group, n=230).  After the exclusion of some patients, the COVID-19 prognosis of 294 patients (ncontrol =184, ncase=110, 53% female) at a mean age of 64±9.7 years was evaluated. Unequal variables were adjusted between the case and control groups, and the results showed no significant differences in oxygen saturation, the computed tomography scan score, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, the white blood cell count, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, and mortality between the 2 groups. However, a significant difference in the average length of hospital stay was found between the control (6.55±0.56 d) and case (8.53±0.55 d) groups (P=0.013).  The dosage adjustments and changes of ACEIs and ARBs are not recommended due to increased referrals to health centers involved with the COVID-19 risk. The prognosis, safety, and efficacy of ACEI/ARB consumption should be assessed further in larger studies on middle-aged to old patients with COVID-19. (Iranian Heart Journal 2022; 23(1): 129-139)