ACE Inhibitors -possible side effects

There are a variety of prescribed medications for the treatment of heart disease. One of these is known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Sometimes just referred to as 'ACE inhibitors'. They are a group of medications that serve to dilate (or widen) the blood vessels in order to improve the flow and quantity of blood pumped through the heart. They also help to lower blood pressure. By increasing the blood flow ACE inhibitors reduce how much work the heart has to do.

ACE inhibitors can be lifesavers for patients who are considered to be high risk for heart attack or stroke as well as for those who have high blood pressure, heart failure and suffer from type 2 diabetes. But like all medications, there are possible side effects that can occur in some individuals.

Possible side effects - A skin rash that is characterized by redness and itchiness is sometimes a side effect of taking an ACE inhibitor and it could appear anywhere on your body. If you develop such a rash do not attempt to treat it yourself but instead schedule an appointment with your doctor. Another possibility is a cough that doesn’t seem to want to go away or if the cough becomes severe, get in touch with your doctor and find out what kind of cough medicine is required to bring the cough under control.

ACE inhibitors are prescribed for a variety of heart conditions with the most common being heart failure. ACE inhibitors are often prescribed for patients with high blood pressure, as are those with diabetes, as this medication has been proved to slow down the process that causes damage to the kidneys in those suffering from type 2 diabetes.

If administered to a patient shortly after suffering a heart attack, ACE inhibitors can prevent further damage and can also increase the survival rate of patients. Paramedics arriving at the scene of a heart attack are often trained to administer ACE inhibitors to patients. ACE inhibitors act as prevention for heart attacks and strokes for those people classified as 'high-risk'.

Possible side effects - Sometimes dizziness, lightheadedness or a feeling you are about to faint as you attempt to get up out of a chair or off a bed is a possible side effect of taking an ACE inhibitor. Those who suffer from this side effect notice it more after they first start taking this heart medication. The side effect is most common for those who are already taking a water pill (or diuretic). Take your time when getting up and do not rush. If you continue to feel dizziness or lightheadedness or if it becomes severe do not hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.

Examples of ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are sold under a variety of different brand names. Examples of these include:

v Lotensin (benazepril) ACE Inhibitors for heart disease graphic

v Capoten (captopril)

v Prinivil and Zestril (lisinopril)

v Vasotec (enalapril)

Other types of ACE inhibitors include:

v Altace (ramipril)

v Univasc (moexipril)

v Monopril (fosinopril)

v Accupril (quinapril)

v Aceon (perindopril)

v Mavik (trandolapril)

It is so important to always carefully follow the directions on the prescription label. Never take too many pills at once or too few pills at once. It is the kind of heart condition you have as well as the type of ACE inhibitor you have been prescribed that will determine the duration of the medication, the number of doses you are required to take as well as the time span that must elapse between doses.

It is best to take ACE inhibitors on an empty stomach, approximately one hour before you eat a meal.

Possible side effects - occasionally a variety of physical symptoms accompany taking ACE inhibitors which may include pain in the chest, a sore throat, a fever, sores in the mouth, swelling of one or both feet and also swelling of the lower legs and/or ankles, an irregular or very quick heartbeat and strange bruising of skin in areas where there has been no injury. Some patients experience a metallic or salty taste in their mouth when they first begin taking this medication while others find that their ability to taste is dulled.

It is never a good idea to suddenly stop taking your medication if you do not like how it makes you feel or you question whether or not it is actually doing any good. Be aware that if you have been prescribed an ACE inhibitor for heart failure, you may need to take the medication for a while before you see any results. You should still keep taking it regardless. When it comes to heart failure, ACE inhibitors decrease the chance that your health condition will become chronic and will get worse as time progresses.

While you are on an ACE inhibitor it is important to have your kidneys as well as your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, as problems can arise if these are not monitored.

Possible side effects - severe diarrhea or vomiting can be side effects of taking ACE inhibitors and can be harmful because they can lead to dehydration, which can then lead to low blood pressure. Always contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Other possible symptoms include swelling that takes place in the face, neck and sometimes the tongue. If you experience swelling in either of these parts of your body, get in touch with your doctor right away.

If you have any questions about ACE inhibitors it is advisable to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional about your concerns. The more knowledge you have about the medications you take, the better equipped you will be to cope with your heart condition. Stay informed about new advances in heart research as well.

Possible side effects - A sense of confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; tingling or numbness in the hands, lips or feet; nervousness; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the leg area. This may be the result of too much potassium in your system and can be potentially life threatening. Potassium levels can be measured on a regular basis by way of blood tests.

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