Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic condition of respiratory system, is one of a major causes of mortality among patients around the world. COPD has been recognized as a risk factor of cardiovascular system diseases. Blockers of renin-angiotensin system (RAS): angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists/sartants are major group of drugs applied in cardiovascular system pathologies. Recent studies suggest that both, pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD depend on RAS activity. In this

brief review we discuss the role of RAS in the pathogenesis of COPD and we summarize the results of clinical trials on RAS blockers in patients with COPD.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, ACEI, angiotensin II receptor blockers, renin-angiotensin system.