Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 6, 2020

Treatment with ACE Inhibitors or ARBs and Risk of Severe/Lethal COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis

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  • Flacco et al. conducted a meta-analysis (10 studies including 9,890 subjects) to estimate the association between hypertensive medication and COVID-19 outcomes. Results showed that, compared to untreated subjects, treatment with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was not associated with the risk of severe or lethal COVID-19 (OR=0.90, 95%CI 0.65-1.26 for ACE inhibitors; OR=0.92, 95%CI 0.75-1.12 for ARBs). Treatment with both drugs was not associated with risk of death from COVID-19 (OR=0.88, 95%CI 0.68-1.14). 
  • The authors recommend the continuation of ARBs or ACE inhibitors for all patients, unless otherwise advised by their physicians. 

Flacco et al. (July 1, 2020). Treatment with ACE Inhibitors or ARBs and Risk of Severe/Lethal COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis. Heart. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317336