It has been found that an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system is useful for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with hypoxia or impaired metabolic function or efficiency. In particular, it 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 is thus useful in treatment of the symptoms and signs of ageing. It may also be used to enhance function in healthy subjects.