[Lipid metabolism--effect of cardiac agents and ACE inhibitors. Effects of anti-arrhythmia agents, ACE inhibitors, positive inotropic substance and anti-angina agents].

Aim: Cardio-active substances and ACE-Inhibitors are often employed in patients with metabolic disturbances. The question as to whether they have any effect on the lipid levels therefore needs to be answered.
Major Points Studied: The effects of antiarrhythmics, ACE-inhibitors, positively inotropic substances and antianginal substances on lipid metabolism are discussed on the basis of a search through the literature. The wealth of data permit the conclusion that many of the drugs in these substance groups are neutral in terms of metabolism. There are, however, also individual substances that lead to an elevation of lipid levels. Via an improvement in glucose tolerance, ACE-inhibitors can contribute to a lowering of triglyceride concentrations and an increase in the HDL cholesterol levels. For a number of substance groups, the data available still do not suffice to permit a definitive conclusion to be drawn.
Conclusion: In the case of treatment with the above-mentioned substance groups, effects on lipid metabolism should be checked wherever this is in doubt. This applies, of course, in particular to patients already suffering from hyperlipoproteinemia.