ACE inhibitor

ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used primarily in treatment of arterial hypertension and congestive cardiac failure.

They work by inhibiting the transformation of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme in pulmonary endothelium and elsewhere.

These drugs lower arteriolar resistance and increase venous capacitance; increase cardiac output and index, stroke work, and volume; lower renovascular resistance; and lead to increased natriuresis (excretion of sodium in the urine).

Other ACE inhibitors are called vasopeptidase inhibitors.