The invention relates to a method for the treatment of cardiac and of vascular hypertrophy and hyperplasia by administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Administration of compounds of the formula I (I) in which n is 1 or 2, R, R1, R2 and R3 are identical or different and each is hydrogen or an organic radical, and R4 and R5 form, together with the atoms carrying them, a mono-, bi- or tricyclic heterocyclic ring system, is preferred. The invention additionally relates to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and to agents containing these for administration for the treatment of the abovementioned diseases.