Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors versus angiotensin receptor blockers on cognitive decline: A retrospective real-world database study

Scritto il 15/05/2026
da Laith Rhabneh

Wiad Lek. 2026;79(4):736-744. doi: 10.36740/WLek/216191.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To compare 5-year cognitive outcomes in patients with HFrEF who receive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of: 1) 135,873 adults with HFrEF (International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision-Clinical Modification [ICD-10-CM] codes: I50.2 or I50.4) started on ACEI between Aug 1, 2019 and Aug 1, 2024; and 2) 135,873 propensity matched patients receiving ARBs during that time. Data were obtained from the TriNetX Research Network, encompassing 80 health care organizations in the United States. The primary endpoint was the composite of cognitive decline (ICD-10-CM: R41.8), dementia (ICD-10-CM: F01-F03), and Alzheimer's disease (ICD-10- CM: G30).

RESULTS: Results: At 5 years,17,679 patients on ACEI met the primary endpoint vs 16,345 patients on ARBs (5-year incidence: 30.71% vs 28.54%; HR: 1.153; 95% CI: 129-1.178; P < 0.001), with consistently higher rates of cognitive decline (24.94% vs 22.81%; HR: 1.146; 95% CI: 1.119-1.174; P < 0.001), dementia (15.63% vs 13.71%; HR:1.204; 95% CI: 1.168-1.241; P < 0.001), and Alzheimer's disease (4.15% vs 3.51%; HR: 1.202; 95% CI: 1.131-1.277; P < 0.001) in the ACEI cohort.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: ACEI was associated with higher 5-year rates of neurocognitive disorders when compared to ARBs in patients with HFrEF.

PMID:42139611 | DOI:10.36740/WLek/216191