What Is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor?

Abstract

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are drugs that block the body’s production of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a hormone that circulates in the blood and has many effects on the cardiovascular system; its main role is to constrict blood vessels. This constriction can cause high blood pressure and increase the work required for the heart to pump blood into the body’s main arteries. This causes a problem for the heart muscle if it has been weakened by a heart attack or heart failure. Blocking production of angiotensin II with ACE inhibitors prevents constriction of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and lessens the energy the heart has to expend from beat to beat. In many cardiovascular diseases, angiotensin II is present in abnormally high quantities. The importance of decreasing the damage caused by high levels of angiotensin II is increasingly recognized. ACE inhibitors available in the United States and their associated costs are listed in the Table. The generic names of all ACE inhibitors end with the letters “P-R-I-L” (all drugs have a generic name but may not be available for purchase in a generic form). View this table:In this windowIn a new windowAvailable ACE Inhibitors In addition to the role it plays in constricting arteries and raising blood pressure, angiotensin II is also …