ACE INHIBITORS

“ACE” is short for “angiotensin-converting enzyme,” ACE inhibitors are medications that help prevent your body from producing too much of a natural chemical called angiotensin II.

Generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Consult your doctor for which medications are appropriate for you.

• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Captopril (Capoten)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Fosinopril (Monopril)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Moexipril (Univasc)
• Peridonpril erbumine (Aceon)
• Quinapril (Accupril)
• Ramipril (Altace)
• Trandolapril (Mavik)

What they’re used for

• To treat high blood pressure
• To treat heart failure and related conditions, such as low ejection fraction (EF)
• To treat damage after a heart attack and to help prevent further heart attacks

How they work

Ace inhibitors block an enzyme that is needed to produce angiotensin II. The body uses angiotensin II to maintain proper blood pressure and fluid balance. But angiotensin II can have harmful long-term effects on your heart and blood vessels. It can cause blood vessels to narrow and can also raise blood pressure. Taking ACE inhibitors can:

• Relax the arteries
• Lower Blood pressure
• Help the heart work more effectively