Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and application

It is now a little over 10 years since the introduction of drugs that inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are a class of oral medications that act primarily through blockade of the angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction increasing afterload, thus increasing systemic blood pressure. Angiotensin contributes to the production of aldosterone, which normally acts to retain sodium and water.