In the past few days, many doctors appear to have caught wind of somewhat unfounded data. According to this information, the novel COVID-19 would use angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors to enter cells and, in this context, patients with an upregulated expression of these receptors (such as patients receiving angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) might be more susceptible to infection.
This would explain the fact that hypertension, diabetes and cardiac failure patients are considered a high-risk population, seeing as they most likely receive some of these drugs.
It is important to recommend caution with the information we read when being “bombarded” with data with little to no time to check sources.
This is why the ACC, the AHA and the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) have jointly published this document to cut these speculations in the bud.
COVID-19 patients receiving ACE inhibitors or ARBs must not stop treatment, unless indicated by their physician.
Read also: Cath Lab Management Protocol for the COVID-19 Outbreak.
There are obvious concerns, since it has become clear that our patients are at higher risk of developing major complications (even death) by this infection. All the same, after extensive revision, the three societies agree there is no evidence to discontinue ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Original Title: HFSA/ACC/AHA statement addresses concerns re: using RAAS antagonists in COVID-19.
Reference: Bozkurt B et al.
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