ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain forms of heart disease. They may also be used to help protect kidney function in some patients with diabetes or other conditions.
ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. By improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure, these medications can help reduce symptoms, improve heart function, and lower the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart failure.
How does it work?
The body produces a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow and can increase blood pressure. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme responsible for creating this hormone, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen.
As blood vessels become less constricted, blood flows more easily throughout the body. This reduces blood pressure, decreases strain on the heart, and helps the heart pump more efficiently. In patients with heart failure, ACE inhibitors can help slow disease progression and improve long-term outcomes.
Am I a good candidate for treatment?
ACE inhibitors may be recommended if you have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- A history of heart attack
- Certain forms of cardiomyopathy
- Chronic kidney disease or diabetes-related kidney disease
Your provider will review your medical history, current medications, kidney function, and blood pressure to determine whether an ACE inhibitor is appropriate for you.
What can I expect after treatment?
Most ACE inhibitors are taken as an oral medication once or twice daily. Your provider may start with a lower dose and adjust it over time based on your blood pressure, symptoms, and overall response to treatment.
Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests may be recommended to monitor kidney function, potassium levels, and medication effectiveness. Many patients tolerate ACE inhibitors well, though some may experience side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, or a persistent dry cough. If side effects occur, your provider can discuss alternative treatment options.
When taken as prescribed, ACE inhibitors can be an important part of a long-term treatment plan that helps protect heart function, manage blood pressure, and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Managing high blood pressure isn’t always as simple as prescribing a medication. At Deborah Heart and Lung Center, our specialists take a comprehensive approach to hypertension care, evaluating the underlying causes of elevated blood pressure and developing a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
While many patients successfully control their blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes, some continue to have hypertension despite taking multiple medications. For these individuals, Deborah offers advanced treatment options such as renal denervation, a minimally invasive procedure designed to help lower blood pressure by targeting overactive nerves surrounding the renal arteries.
By combining expertise in preventive cardiology, medication management, and advanced cardiovascular interventions, our team can help determine the most effective strategy to achieve long-term blood pressure control and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.