ACE-Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and risk of death for people infected with COVID-19: a prospective cohort study

Purpose: ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are medications that are commonly prescribed by GPs to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems or kidney disease. Over 65 million prescriptions were issued for these medications last year. There have been some concerns that these might increase the risk of death for people who are infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). This is because ACEI and ARBs may work on the same pathway as COVID-19. However, this has never been studied in humans. Evidence is urgently needed to help decisions about the continued use of these medications in people infected with COVID-19.

Aim: To study the link between taking ACE-I/ARB medications and the risk of death in people infected with COVID-19.

Methods: We will use an electronic database that includes 5 million routinely collected patient records across 530 GP practices. We will carry out statistical modelling to estimate the link, if any, between these medications and the risk of death from COVID-19.

Implication: Given that these medications are some of the most commonly prescribed in the UK, there needs to be some urgent clarity about their role. Our research could provide rapid provisional answers to help efforts aimed at reducing death from COVID-19 or deliver the reassurance that patients need to carry on taking their medications.