What are ACE inhibitors?
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors are a class of drugs that cause blood vessel widening (vasodilation) and are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. ACE inhibitors block the body’s production of angiotensin, a vasoconstrictor (a chemical which stimulates constriction of blood vessels), and thereby improve the opening of blood vessels. ACE inhibitors help lower blood pressure and help protect the kidney by blocking this conversion to angiotensin. They are commonly used to treat symptoms associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV associated kidney disease (HIVAN).
