Over the past few months, many of you may have seen conflicting news stories about possible links between ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and Covid-19.
Here’s what we know about the evidence so far, and why more research is needed.
Hopefully a useful read for anyone with a heart condition.
As many here will know I am a long term Type 1 diabetic. I am also aware that many here are also diabetic, the majority being Type II. ACE Inhibitors and ARBs help prevent or a least slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. This is why I was initially started on them nearly 20 years ago. They were dropped when I came to rehab following my BKA (below knee amputation) as I had quite severe hypotension. Things have improved as I have regained weight and fitness, and I am now on 2.5mg Lisinopril.
Here is a link from Diabetes UK which mentions ACE Inhibitors and ARBs. There is more information and scholarly articles out there but as I always warn people tread carefully with Dr Goggle!
My wife was very ill in March with suspected Covid-19 and I half expected to suffer similar symptoms. However, all that happened was that for about 10 days I felt extremely tired and was relieved to get to bed at 9 p.m. each evening. I am now convinced that being on Losartan helped me resist the virus in a similar manner to when my wife had a serious bout of influenza a few years ago.
I have subsequently read of the research that is ongoing in respect of ACE inhibitirs / ARBs inhibiting the virus. Recently there was a report on the local television news in the Anglia region on the subject and the following article is on the internet -
Of course I can only provide anecdotal evidence, but my experience appears to mirror the research that has been carried out. In the television interview, it was even suggested that some people taking ACE inhibitirs / ARBs may not even develop anti-bodies.
Hi thanks for a good article. One question will the dose of an ARB or an ACE inhibitor have any effect, like being on the Maximum Dose of Entresto as opposed to being on the Starting Dose. This is just a query not a concern, I was just wondering if the research went into detail like this !!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.