[eyang1990]

HEy folks, in the early days of coronavirus, there was a helpful thread which motivated me to ask my mother’s doctor to switch her hypertension medication from an ARB (losartan) to a water pill (Hydralazine). Somebody explained that coronavirus enters through the ACE2 receptors and that ACE2 inhibitors and ARB’s increase the number of ACE2 receptors, potentially increasing the risk of catching coronavirus. 



So now, 3 months later, I’m wondering if anybody has an opinion on whether ACE2 inhibitors and/or ARB’s increase or actually decrease the chance of catching coronavirus and whether I should switch my mom back to Losartan (her hypertension seemed to be mildly better with Losartan, but not a of immense proportions difference). I see that there have been some studies but I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for any thoughts.

I am a first time poster but long time viewer.  I felt it necessary to respond to this post.  As a cardiologist, we have witnessed many patients concerned about using these types of medications in light of COVID-19.  I can tell you that we don't have any data that indicates increased risk of these medications in COVID-19 patients.  In fact, there are some signals suggested possible benefits, but we will have to await the results of randomized clinical trials.  In general, ACE inhibitors and ARBS should not be discontinued for appropriate clinical indications.  I actually used your post in a presentation I did today on this topic (I hope you don't mind).  I hope this is helpful to the Stanford community.

Here is a link to the video: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology...t-thinking

Here is a good resource for patients and interested parties published on our cardiology website with up to date information:
https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology...ar-disease



 

[eyang1990]

HEy folks, in the early days of coronavirus, there was a helpful thread which motivated me to ask my mother’s doctor to switch her hypertension medication from an ARB (losartan) to a water pill (Hydralazine). Somebody explained that coronavirus enters through the ACE2 receptors and that ACE2 inhibitors and ARB’s increase the number of ACE2 receptors, potentially increasing the risk of catching coronavirus. 



So now, 3 months later, I’m wondering if anybody has an opinion on whether ACE2 inhibitors and/or ARB’s increase or actually decrease the chance of catching coronavirus and whether I should switch my mom back to Losartan (her hypertension seemed to be mildly better with Losartan, but not a of immense proportions difference). I see that there have been some studies but I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for any thoughts.

I am a first time poster but long time viewer.  I felt it necessary to respond to this post.  As a cardiologist, we have witnessed many patients concerned about using these types of medications in light of COVID-19.  I can tell you that we don't have any data that indicates increased risk of these medications in COVID-19 patients.  In fact, there are some signals suggested possible benefits, but we will have to await the results of randomized clinical trials.  In general, ACE inhibitors and ARBS should not be discontinued for appropriate clinical indications.  I actually used your post in a presentation I did today on this topic (I hope you don't mind).  I hope this is helpful to the Stanford community.

Here is a link to the video: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology...t-thinking

Here is a good resource for patients and interested parties published on our cardiology website with up to date information:
https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology...ar-disease