An angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is an oral medicine that lowers blood pressure. For people with diabetes, especially those who have protein (albumin) in the urine, it also helps slow down kidney damage.
ACE Inhibitor
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredAngiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) block the hormone angiotensin 2. This limits the amount of sodium and water retained by the kidneys. ARBs also relax the arteries. This promotes better blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Many ARBs are available in the US. These include azilsartan (Edarbi), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan).
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredAngiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are sometimes prescribed as first-line therapy for people with heart failure. They can benefit people with all types of heart failure when ACE inhibitors are not well tolerated.
Many ARBs are available in the US. These include azilsartan (Edarbi), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan). Only candesartan is FDA-approved for treating heart failure.
ARBs work by blocking the harmful effects of the hormone angiotensin 2. This lowers blood pressure and prevents the kidneys from retaining too much sodium and water. ARBs also prevent the constriction of blood vessels and improve the function of the heart.
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredARBs are sometimes considered as alternatives to ACE inhibitors for people with heart failure after a heart attack. An ARB is sometimes added to treatment for people with reduced ejection fraction who are taking ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, but still have symptoms. ARBs may be a better choice than aldosterone blockers for people with poor kidney function or high blood potassium.
The combination of an ARB and an ACE inhibitor increases the risk of low blood pressure, high blood potassium, and impaired kidney function. This drug combination is not recommended for people who have had a recent heart attack and have left ventricular dysfunction. The combined use of an ACE inhibitor, ARB, and aldosterone blocker should be avoided in all people with heart failure.
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Heart attack is caused by rupture of cholesterol plaque in the blood vessels of the heart leading to clot formation. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help in stabilizing the plaque and preventing further heart attacks. It also helps remodel the heart muscle after a heart attack, making it stronger, and increases the survivability of the heart attack patient. -
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Dr. Ozgen Dogan , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredTaking ramipril can cause dry coughing (15% of patients), increase potassium in the blood, cause a metallic taste in the mouth and/or create tongue and throat swelling. If swelling occurs, call your doctor immediately. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredLess serious side effects of perindopril that may occur include headache, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, muscle or joint pain, cough, stuffy nose, upset stomach, drowsiness, rash, flaky or itchy skin, or weakness. It these side effects become severe or won't go away, call your doctor.
Serious side effects are rare. If they occur, get immediate medical help. These include a severe allergic reaction, problems breathing, abnormal heart rate, fainting, fever, flu-like symptoms, hoarseness, abnormal urination, abnormal bruising or bleeding, pale skin, swelling, sudden weight gain, chest pain, blisters of your mouth or skin, or yellowing of your eyes. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredThe many available ACE inhibitors are equally effective for patients with systolic heart failure. ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve the pumping ability of the heart. They decrease heart failure symptoms and improve exercise capacity.
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are recommended for all people with systolic heart failure. These drugs help people to live longer and avoid hospital stays. They also may benefit people with diastolic heart failure, especially those with high blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve the pumping ability of the heart. They decrease heart failure symptoms and improve exercise capacity.
Many ACE inhibitors are available in the US. These include benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik). Several other products combine an ACE inhibitor with a drug from another class, such as a diuretic.
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