Who are prescribed ACE Inhibitors?

ACE Inhibitors are a class of medications that are used primarily to help with a patient’s circulation system, thereby affecting the patient’s heart in a positive manner.  “ACE” is actually an acronym that stands for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, and several prominent pharmaceutical companies manufacture at least one ACE inhibitor. 

ACE inhibitors are primarily prescribed for patients with the following ailments:

• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease Prevention

ACE inhibitors, in theory, are helpful because they are supposed to widen a patient’s blood vessels, which will improve the amount of blood that’s ultimately pumped into the heart.  As a result, a patient should experience lower blood pressure. 

There are other more particular benefits of ACE Inhibitors.  For instance, if someone takes ACE Inhibitors shortly after a heart attack, certain cases have shown that these medications can help prevent further damage to the heart and improve overall survival rates. 

Another potential benefit deals with diabetics, in that ACE Inhibitors can slow the process that leads to permanent kidney damage in type 2 diabetics.  These drugs have also statistically shown the ability to lower the risk of a future heart attack or stroke. 

Risks from ACE Inhibitors? 

Definitely, and the consequences of not being wary of these risks can be fatal.  However, less catastrophic consequences can include a persistent cough, a skin rash, swelling in the neck area, a loss of the sense of taste, and severe vomiting or diarrhea. 

Most significantly, pregnant women are at risk, as ACE Inhibitors will lower blood pressure and cause kidney failures and/or high potassium levels in the mother.  These conditions carry disastrous consequences for the child, which can include deformity or even death in the womb.    

What should I do if there’s a problem? 

There are several things that you should do if you’re experiencing problems with your medication or you’re pregnant and are taking an ACE Inhibitor.  First, contact your doctor.  If he or she prescribed this medication knowing that you’re pregnant, seek a second opinion. 

Secondly, if you suffer from any of the above conditions or are alerted to other problems by your doctor, contact an attorney immediately.  You have rights under federal and state law, and there’s only so much time allowed for you to protect those rights.  An experienced and licensed attorney will handle the issue for you.