ACE Inhibitors

Overview

ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that block angiotensin-converting enzyme, a key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. By inhibiting this enzyme, they prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, and reduce aldosterone secretion; the result is dilation of blood vessels, lower peripheral resistance, reduced sodium and water retention, and decreased blood pressure. ACE inhibitors also reduce the breakdown of bradykinin, which contributes to their vasodilator effect and to the characteristic dry cough seen in some patients. They are widely used to treat hypertension and are foundational in the management of heart failure, where they reduce cardiac workload and improve outcomes, and they offer particular benefit in chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy by lowering intraglomerular pressure and slowing the decline of kidney function. In hypertension management they may be combined with other agents, such as calcium channel blockers, to achieve adequate control, and treatment strategies take account of factors like circadian blood-pressure patterns and the stage of chronic kidney disease. Interest in angiotensin-converting enzyme and its related receptor extends beyond cardiovascular medicine, including the role of ACE-2 as a cellular entry point exploited by certain viruses. Understanding the renin-angiotensin system underpins the rational use of these widely prescribed cardiovascular and renoprotective medicines.

Research published in this journal

6 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 6 articles above have been cited 2 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

• Geopolitical issues in health and biosecurity concerning gain-of-function research, emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases
  2022 · International Journal of Clinical Virology
• Geopolitical issues in health and biosecurity concerning gain-of-function research, emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases
  2022 · International Journal of Clinical Virology

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on ACE Inhibitors, linking to each citing work.

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.

Related topics