WHAT ARE ACE INHIBITORS USED FOR?

How ACE Inhibitors Work

ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzymes in the body from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This is beneficial because angiotensin II can elevate blood pressure in multiple ways, so reducing the amount that the body produces is an effective method of lowering blood pressure.

ACE can raise your blood pressure in two ways, the first of which is the angiotensin I conversion. This can increase your blood pressure by affecting different parts of the body. In the circulatory system, blood pressure is increased due to the blood vessels tightening and narrowing. It affects the kidneys by limiting how much sodium and water are removed from your body, and in the endocrine system, it causes the adrenal gland to release aldosterone.

The other way that ACE can increase your blood pressure is by breaking down bradykinin. Bradykinin is a protein that lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and helping your kidneys remove sodium from your body. ACE breaks this bradykinin down, and less protein in the body increases blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors prevent the angiotensin-converting enzyme from performing these functions, which leads to less angiotensin II, which can raise blood pressure, and more bradykinin, which lowers blood pressure. This can help manage a variety of conditions caused by high blood pressure.

Why Take ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are prescribed to help lower blood pressure and treat other kidney or heart conditions. Heart conditions this medication can help with include heart failure, recovering from or preventing heart attacks, and preventing stroke. ACE inhibitors can also help treat kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, glomerular disease, and post-transplant glomerulonephritis, along with preventing or slowing the progression of kidney failure in people with diabetes.

Side Effects of ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Common mild side effects include a dry cough, dizziness and weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, and headaches. Less common but still mild side effects include a rash, upset stomach or nausea, and a decreased ability to taste or a noticeable metallic taste.

In some cases, ACE inhibitors can trigger severe side effects, such as swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, legs, feet, or hands. You should seek medical attention immediately if this swelling occurs in your face, mouth, or throat.

Other severe side effects include jaundice, allergic reactions, fever, mouth sores, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, intense vomiting or diarrhea, and high potassium levels. High potassium levels are a potentially life-threatening complication, so you should seek medical attention right away. Symptoms include confusion, nervousness, heaviness in the legs, numbness in hands and feet, and difficulty breathing.

Do not take ACE inhibitors if you are currently pregnant, as they can cause congenital disabilities or fetal death. When breastfeeding, avoid ACE inhibitors as well, as the medication can transfer to the baby and cause dangerously low blood pressure.

ACE Inhibitor Food or Drug Interactions

ACE inhibitors may interact with other substances or medications. Don’t take salt substitutes before discussing them with your doctor or nurse since this can increase sodium or potassium levels. You should also avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Don’t take ACE inhibitors if you also take angiotensin-receptor blockers or medications that affect your kidneys or potassium or sodium levels.

Benefits of ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors have many advantages and are commonly prescribed to help with blood pressure. These benefits include their efficacy and safety, as extensive scientific research has been conducted on these medications.

ACE inhibitors treat conditions and are also preventative, which means they can prevent conditions before they occur. Another benefit of ACE inhibitors is that they combine well with other blood pressure-controlling medications.