Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart problems and other conditions. Find out how they work and their possible side effects.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help relax veins and arteries to reduce blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows your blood vessels. This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and force the heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also releases hormones that raise blood pressure.
In addition to high blood pressure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as the following:
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Diabetes
Certain chronic kidney diseases
Heart attacks
Scleroderma: a disease that involves hardening of the skin and connective tissues
Migraines
The doctor may prescribe other medications in addition to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, such as a diuretic or a calcium antagonist. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors should not be taken together with angiotensin receptor blockers or with direct renin inhibitors.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors work better for younger people than for older people. They also work better for white people than for black people. The doctor may recommend a different medication.
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