It has been found that inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system are useful for the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with hypoxia or impaired metabolic function or efficiency. In particular, they may be used in connection with therapy of stroke or its recurrence, the acute treatment of myocardial infarction, and the treatment or prevention of wasting or cachexia, and are thus useful in treatment of the symptoms and signs of aging. These inhibitors may also be used to enhance function in healthy subjects.