The Effect of Renin-Angiotensin Blockers on COVID-19 Related Mortality: A Tertiary Center’s Experience


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Oflar E., Koyuncu A., Alp M. E., Kara-Osmanoglu H. K., Unal O., BEYAZ M. O., ...More

Cor et Vasa, vol.64, no.3, pp.277-281, 2022 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.33678/cor.2021.123
  • Journal Name: Cor et Vasa
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Page Numbers: pp.277-281
  • Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme, COVID-19, Pandemics, Renin-angiotensin
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: The first reports on coronaviruse disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed an exaggerated mortality rate in hypertensive patients. In this regard, concerns about angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors’ and angiotensin-receptor blockers’ (ARBs) have been aroused. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the potential bad outcome effect of hypertension and anti-hypertensive therapy on COVID-19. Methods: 183 patients with polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-proven COVID-19, who were admitted to our hospital and consulted to cardiology department between 15th of March and 15th of April 2020 were included. Data were recruited from hospital records. Results: Thirty-two out of 183 patients with COVID-19 died in hospital. Hypertension incidence was not statistically different between patients who survived and died (76 [50.3%] vs 19 [59.4%, p = 0.352]). Although the usage rate of ACEI were similar among groups, ARB usage rate was significantly higher in patients who died than survived (11 [34.4%] vs 23 [15.2%], p = 0.011). Binary regression analysis showed an association between ARBs and mortality (OR: 0.032, 95% CI 1.045–2.623, p = 0.032). Conclusion: Our study confirmed previous concerns regarding a potential harmful effects of ARBs on COVID-19 related mortality.