ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are used to treat patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure and other illnesses.
ACE inhibitors slow the development of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. This enzyme aids in the development of angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and raises blood pressure, leading to diseases like cardiovascular problems, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and kidney damage. ACE inhibitors help reduce the risk of developing these illnesses.
ACE inhibitors, or anti-high blood pressure medications, slow the development of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. It works in the lungs to prevent this inactive enzyme from becoming active. This enzyme aids in the development of angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and raises blood pressure, leading to diseases like cardiovascular problems, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and kidney damage. ACE inhibitors help reduce the risk of developing these illnesses. ACE inhibitors are used for people who have suffered heart attacks, heart failure, or to prevent kidney damage in patients who have hypertension and/or diabetes.
However, ACE inhibitors do cause a wide variety of side effects, and can be dangerous when used with other medications. Side effects include:
- birth defects in pregnant patients
- coughing
- elevated blood potassium
- low blood pressure
- dizziness
- headache
- kidney failure
- allergic reactions
Other medications that ACE inhibitors react with include:
- lithium
- salt supplements
- aspirin
- ibuprofen
It is important to tell your doctor of all other medications you are currently taking, including any herbal medications. Women taking ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy are three times as likely to have a child with a birth defect. Birth defects include brain injuries, heart defects and kidney defects. It is important to contact a personal injury attorney if you receive further injury or illness or have a child with birth defects while taking ACE inhibitors.
Common types of ACE inhibitors include:
- Capoten
- Lotensin
- Vasotec
- Prinivil
- Zestril
- Monopril
- Altace
- Aceon
- Accupril
- Univasc
- Mavik
