Keep taking your blood pressure medicine

 

The UK Government has come out and made a statement about the recent controversy that ACE-I or ARBs may worsen COVID-19.

 

The Government has stated that there is no evidence from clinical or epidemiological studies that treatment with ACE-I or ARBs might worsen COVID-19 infection.

 

They have stated that if people are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat high blood pressure, it is vitally important that they continue their usual treatment.

 

Whilst some media reports and publications have suggested that treatment with ACE-I or ARBs might worsen COVID-19 infection, there is no evidence from clinical or epidemiological studies to support this.

 

The Government has said that they recognise the concern that the COVID-19 outbreak is causing, and have assured the public that they are working closely with the Commission on Human Medicines and other regulatory bodies to ensure we can respond with further advice on this issue, should any new data emerge.

 

The European Society of Cardiology published a position statement on ACE-Inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which can be viewed by clicking here.

 

The European Medicine Agency has advised continued use of medicines for hypertension, heart or kidney disease during COVID-19 pandemic and you can view their statement by clicking here.

 

The Renal Association in the UK published a position statement on COVID-19 and ACE Inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use which you can view by clicking here.