Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II type‑1 
receptor blockers (ARBs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs for the 
treatment of arterial hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. 
A number of studies, mainly in animals and not involving the lungs, have 
indicated that these drugs can increase expression of angiotensin-converting 
enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the cell entry receptor of severe acute respiratory 
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 
2019 (COVID-19) that is currently battering the globe. This has led to the 
hypothesis that use of ACEIs and ARBs may increase the risk of developing severe 
COVID-19. In this point of view paper, possible scenarios regarding the impact 
of ACEI/ARB pharmacotherapy on COVID-19 are discussed in relation to the 
currently available evidence. Although further research on the influence of 
blood-pressure-lowering drugs, including those not targeting the 
renin-angiotensin system, is warranted, there are presently no compelling 
clinical data showing that ACEIs and ARBs increase the likelihood of contracting 
COVID-19 or worsen the outcome of SARS-CoV‑2 infections. Thus, unless 
contraindicated, use of ACEIs/ARBs in COVID-19 patients should be continued in 
line with the recent recommendations of medical societies.