Definition of ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors: A drug that inhibits ACE (angiotensin
converting enzyme) which is important to the formation of
angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes arteries in the body to
constrict and thereby raises the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower
the blood pressure by inhibiting the
formation of angiotensin II. This relaxes the arteries. Relaxing the
arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but also improves the
pumping efficiency of a failing heart and improves cardiac output in
patients with heart failure. ACE inhibitors are therefore used for
blood pressure control and congestive heart failure.
The currently available ACA inhibitors include:
ACE inhibitors may slow the progress of diabetic kidney disease in
middle-aged persons with type 2 diabetes. Some (but not all) experts
have therefore recommended giving ACE inhibitors to all middle-aged
type 2 diabetics. (Reference: Annals of Internal Medicine
1999;131:660-667, 707-708.)
Historically, it is interesting that the ACE inhibitors were
originally developed from the venom of
a poisonous Brazilian snake.
Last Editorial Review: 10/2/2004Common Misspellings: ace inhibirot
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
- lisinopril, Zestril, Prinivil - Explains the medication lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) an ACE inhibitor drug used to treat elevated blood pressure and heart failure.
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