I was on Altace about a year for mild hypertension. After a so-so start, it became VERY consistent at lowering my BP, and eventually started lowering my somewhat-elevated resting heart rate as well (not something you'd typically expect of an ACE).

BUT...I got THE COUGH!!!

After six months on the no-cough ARB Diovan, I've found it just doesn't compare to the Altace. On Altace my systolic would be between 110 and 117 just about always. With Diovan, early morning systolic can range from 100-130 and evening can range from 105-150. (So my Diovan *averages* are about 115 morning and 130 evening.) I've tried taking my Diovan at different times of day, and even splitting those tiny pills for twice-daily dosing, but it makes no difference. I tried doubling the dose to 160 mg, and that only helped for a short period.

Has anyone switched from one ACE to another ACE (*not* ARB) and found that it reduced their cough a lot? Which ones, and how long did it take?

I really liked Altace, and it has such a wealth of evidence behind it for its cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and kidney protective benefits. One study suggests that it may even help prevent diabetes. (There's a huge study underway now to try to prove that.) Dang, I wish I could still take it!

Anyway, anyone out there who switched ACE's and found some relief from the awful coughing? I found a small study from Monopril claiming that their incidence of cough was somewhat lower, but my doc says that's not what he's observed.

Thanks,
Rick