What is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor?
ACE inhibitors are drugs that help relax blood vessels. Relaxing
blood vessels allows blood to flow more easily and lowers the
blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure reduces or prevents
heart attacks or strokes and makes it easier to treat heart
failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is either too weak or
too damaged to pump blood properly. ACE inhibitors appear to
decrease the amount of damage to the heart muscle following a
heart attack.
Lisinopril, benazepril, enalapril, captopril, ramipril, quinapril,
and trandolapril are examples of ACE inhibitors. Which one is best
for you depends on your condition and health.
How do ACE inhibitors work?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a substance in the body
that changes an inactive blood chemical to a very active blood
vessel constrictor, or "squeezer." Blood vessel constrictors
cause blood vessels to narrow. The body uses ACE to help regulate
the blood pressure. It makes the blood vessels constrict when
blood pressure needs to be higher. In some people with high blood
pressure (hypertension) the enzyme is overactive. This can cause
high blood pressure and increase the workload of the heart and
other organs. ACE inhibitors slow the activity of this enzyme.
When are ACE inhibitors used?
High blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure are the most
common reason for the use of ACE inhibitors. The drugs may be used
alone or with other drugs.
ACE inhibitors are used to treat heart failure. Poor pumping
ability of the heart leads to buildup of fluid in body tissues and
the lungs. Symptoms such as tiredness, swelling of the legs and
ankles, and trouble breathing are common. ACE inhibitors relieve
these symptoms by reducing blood pressure to ease the workload of
the heart.
ACE inhibitors limit muscle damage done to the heart by a heart
attack. These drugs help the heart heal in a normal shape after a
heart attack so it can pump better. They can help prevent heart
attacks in people who are at high risk.
ACE inhibitors also work on the kidneys by increasing blood flow
and reducing the tendency of the body to retain fluids. They can
help prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes.
What should be monitored while I am taking ACE inhibitors?
Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure regularly.
Checks of your blood potassium level may be necessary. If you have
heart failure, you also need to limit your salt intake and to
weigh yourself regularly.
Report these side effects to your healthcare provider right away:
- a dry, hacking cough that lasts more than a few days
- severe dizziness or fainting
- skin rash
- muscle weakness
- swelling of the tissues in your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or
throat, especially if it interferes with breathing.
Not all of the ACE inhibitors have the same side effects. If you
develop symptoms while on the drug, contact your healthcare
provider right away. Fortunately, most people taking the drug have
no symptoms.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File CARD4250.HTM Release 11.0/2008
© 2008 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
© 2008 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
