Benefits of delapril in hypertensive patients along the cardiovascular continuum

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are the first-line therapy for the treatment of hypertension. However, not all ACEIs are equal. Delapril is a nonsulfhydryl ACEI with unique properties. Delapril has a high lipophilicity and weak bradykinin potentiating action. As a result, delapril has a more potent inhibition capacity of vascular wall angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and a lower incidence of cough than enalapril or captopril. With regard to efficacy, delapril has a long-lasting antihypertensive effect with a trough/peak ratio that is in the upper range of different ACEIs and a positively high smoothness index. Thus, delapril effectively and smoothly reduces blood pressure over 24 h. Moreover, the benefits of delapril are not limited to hypertensive patients, but also in those with microalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction or heart failure; delapril appears to be effective and well tolerated.

Keywords::

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• blood pressure
• captopril
• cardiovascular continuum
• control
• cough
• delapril
• efficacy
• enalapril
• hypertension
• renin–angiotensin system blockers
• safety
• treatment

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This study was funded by Chiesi Spain. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Editorial assistance was provided by Content Ed Net Madrid, and funded by Chiesi Spain.