Has your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure, or "pressure" as we all know it? Or are you taking medication for a heart condition? Then you've probably heard the name "ACE inhibitor". This is an important type of medication that doctors often prescribe. So today, let's talk very simply and friendly about this type of medication called ACE inhibitor, how it works, its advantages, disadvantages, and things to be careful about while using it.
Simply put, what are these ACE Inhibitors?
ACE Inhibitors, or Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are a class of drugs that help lower your blood pressure and protect your kidneys . Doctors use this type of medication to treat a variety of heart and blood vessel conditions.
These are the main situations where this medication helps:
- Treat Hypertension: As we all know, control your blood pressure.
- Treat Heart Failure: When the heart is unable to pump enough blood.
- After a Heart Attack: To help with recovery and prevent recurrence after a heart attack.
- Prevent and manage kidney disease in people with diabetes: These are very important to reduce the damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes.
- Avoid them for those at high risk of heart disease and stroke.
- These are also used for some kidney diseases (e.g., nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria) that occur even in people without diabetes.
How does this medicine work inside the body?
It works exactly as its name suggests. Imagine that our bodies naturally produce an enzyme called Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) . This enzyme converts a chemical called Angiotensin I into another chemical called Angiotensin II .
Now, this guy called Angiotensin II is the main factor that tightens our blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and also limits the excretion of salt and water from the kidneys.
So what our ACE inhibitor medicine does is inhibit the activity of that enzyme called ACE . Then the production of Angiotensin II decreases. As a result, your blood vessels widen and relax, unnecessary salt and water are excreted from the kidneys, and ultimately blood pressure is controlled nicely. Simply put, that's what happens.
Common types of ACE inhibitors
These medications are available on the market under different names. Your doctor will recommend the one that is right for you. Some examples are:
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Lisinopril
- Ramipril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril
Most of these come in the form of pills to take by mouth.
What are the benefits and side effects of this medication?
There are several reasons why doctors often recommend this type of medication.
- Very effective: The success of these has been proven through scientific research.
- Prevents disease: In addition to treating an existing disease, it also helps prevent future conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
- Works well with other medications: Sometimes these come in a single pill, combined with other blood pressure medications.
- Generally safe: Side effects are usually minor. Serious side effects are very rare.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Common side effects |
|
| Rare side effects |
|
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects. Especially if something like a dry cough is bothering you, he or she can switch you to another medication. Don't stop taking the medication on your own.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- When to take the medicine: Some ACE inhibitors are recommended by your doctor to be taken about an hour before a meal. This is because food can reduce the absorption of the medicine by about 30%-40%. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
- If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to "catch up." Doing so may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
- Do not get up suddenly: When you first start taking this medicine, you may feel dizzy when you stand up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. So wait a while and then get up slowly.
- Use it consistently: Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor. Stopping it suddenly can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Be careful with other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially painkillers (NSAIDs - e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), which may interact with this medication.
- Salt and Potassium: Doctors advise reducing salt in your diet. Also, ask your doctor before using salt substitutes that contain potassium.
When should you seek immediate medical advice?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) or see your doctor immediately . These may be signs of a serious condition.
| Emergencies - Stay alert! | |
|---|---|
| Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat | This is a symptom of a serious allergic reaction called Angioedema. It can cause difficulty breathing. |
| Severe allergy symptoms | Hives, severe itching, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Loss of consciousness or fainting | It can be a sign of dangerously low blood pressure. |
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin. This can be a sign of a serious liver problem. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke | Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness in an arm, difficulty speaking. |
There are many different types of medications for high blood pressure, so it can be difficult to understand them all. ACE inhibitors are the first choice of doctors, and they are very effective and safe. If you have any questions about these medications, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor and clarify them.
Take-Home Message
- ACE Inhibitors are a very important medication given to protect against high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- It is essential to take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage.
- Never stop taking medication without medical advice.
- A dry cough is a common side effect. If it bothers you, talk to your doctor.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, this medicine is not recommended. Tell your doctor.
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