Could ACE-inhibitors improve physical function in elderly people with functional impairment?
A controlled trial suggests that an ACE inhibitor may improve exercise capacity in functionally impaired older people without heart failure. The authors of the study note that declines in exercise capacity and physical function are major sources of disability in older people: while exercise can reduce this, many older people are unwilling or unable to carry out sufficient physical exercise to be useful. There is some evidence that ACE inhibition may improve physical function in this age group, and this study aimed to determine whether such an effect could be demonstrated. It involved people aged 65 and over with functional impairment or mobility problems; those with existing heart failure, other serious cardiac problems, contra-indication to ACE inhibitor use, or current ACE inhibitor use were excluded. Eligible participants were randomised to treatment with perindopril or placebo for 20 weeks and assessed at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks. Primary outcome was the change in six-minute walk
