Frequency of Dry Cough as an Adverse Effect in Patients Started on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and Heart Failure to MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar

Objective: To determine the frequency of dry cough as an adverse effect in patients initiated on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) for the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and heart failure (HF). Methodology: This prospective observational study included 250 patients diagnosed with ACS or HF. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and the incidence of dry cough were collected and analyzed. The patients were followed for 30 days after initiation of ACE inhibitors, and the occurrence of dry cough was documented. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall incidence of dry cough was 14.5% in ACS patients and 8.8% in HF patients. A statistically significant difference in the incidence of dry cough was observed between the two groups (p = 0.03). The higher incidence in ACS patients suggests a stronger predisposition to ACE inhibitor-induced cough in this population. Other clinical factors such as age, smoking status, and comorbidities did not show a significant correlation with cough development. Conclusion: The study found that dry cough is a frequent adverse effect of ACE inhibitors, particularly in ACS patients. Clinicians should monitor for this side effect and consider alternative therapies if intolerable symptoms occur.