Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, are a class of medications primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. They work by blocking the activity of the angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE), which decreases the production of angiotensin II—a substance in the body that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By lowering angiotensin II levels, ACE inhibitors relax and widen blood vessels, reduce blood volume, and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the workload on the heart and improving oxygen delivery to the body. They also increase levels of bradykinin, a peptide that helps dilate blood vessels, which further contributes to lowering blood pressure but can cause side effects such as cough and angioedema. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for various cardiovascular and kidney conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, prevention after heart attacks, kidney disease, and some other conditions like diabetes and scleroderma. Examples of well-known ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, captopril, and perindopril. They are recognizable by the common suffix "-pril." In summary, ACE inhibitors help by:
- Blocking ACE enzyme activity to reduce angiotensin II production
- Causing blood vessel relaxation and lowering blood pressure
- Reducing strain on the heart and improving kidney function
This class of drugs is important in managing cardiovascular health and preventing related complications.
