What are ACE inhibitors?

ACE is the acronym for angiotensin converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors are a kind of medication that slows the activity of ACE. When the production of ACE is tampered with, the body will produce less angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a very powerful prescription that contracts the muscle surrounding blood vessels. As a result, the pressure inside the blood vessels increases and this may lead to high blood pressure.

As it has been stated above, ACE is given to people with problems such as high blood pressure, treatment of heart diseases and to avoid kidney damage for people with hypertension and diabetes. ACE inhibitors is in fact one of the most powerful medications that could prevent people from dying from heart failures and

high blood pressure problems. In fact, research shows that people taking ACE inhibitors managed to live longer despite the fact that they are suffering from heart failure and high blood pressure. However, certain individuals show no reaction towards ACE inhibitors. In such cases, other medications must be taken along with ACE inhibitors.

ACE inhibitors are divided into three main groups according to its molecular structure. Captopril is the first ever-ACE inhibitor and it contains sulfhydryl. The next group of ACE inhibitors is those containing Dicarboxylate. Medications belonging to this group are made up of Enalapril, Ramipril, Perindopril and Lisinopril. The last group of ACE inhibitors contains phosphonate, which is made up of Fosinopril only.

Most of the people on the planet are able to tolerate ACE inhibitors. Similar to most medicines in the world, not everybody can accept it. Some people show negative reaction when they consume or take ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors might cause birth defects; hence, it is not prescribed for pregnant women. Although ACE inhibitors are for avoiding kidney problems, individuals with stern kidney problem should not take ACE inhibitors. For people who has tested using ACE inhibitors and cannot tolerate it, should avoid it totally. Although the brand might not be the same and people assume they will not face any problem taking other brands, there is a high possibility that he or she is allergic towards every ACE inhibitors available in the market.

Other side effects of ACE inhibitors are hypotension, cough, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and headaches. Dry cough is very common among patients taking ACE inhibitors. When this occurs to certain patients, he or she will be switched to angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

As this is another prescription drug, patients should be aware of the dose they can take. It is best to consult a professional than risking your own body.
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