Frequency of Angiotensine- Converting Enzyme Inhibitors induced cough in Iraqi patients

Background: Angiotensine converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are commonly used drugs for treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Cough is most common side effect occurring in 0.7-35% according to various reports. Objective: To estimate the incidence of ACE-I induced cough in IRAQI patients. Method: 2800 Iraqi patients using different ACE-I drugs (captopril, Enalpril, Lisinipril and Ramipril) visiting hypertension and Out-patient –Clinic at ALKARAMA and AL-ZAHRA teaching hospitals at Wasit Governorate / IRAQ, these patients were interviewed for cough related to ACE-I use , patients having cough were underwent investigations to other causes of cough and re-evaluated 4-weeks after changing their medication. Result: 925 patients have ACE-I induced cough (502 (54.27%) females Vs. 423(45.72%) males) so cough occur in 33% of total patients, more common in females , it occur most frequently with Enalipril users (44.75%) and least in Captopril group (25%). Conclusion: ACE-I induced cough is common and underestimated problem in Iraq , genetics and environmental factors are playing important role in the determination of difference incidence around the world.