Acronyms are everywhere in our daily lives, and sometimes, it can be tough to keep up with all of them. One of the acronyms that you may have come across is ACE. This article aims to demystify this abbreviation by providing you with an in-depth understanding of what it stands for.
What is ACE?
ACE is an acronym that stands for “Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme.” This enzyme is responsible for the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning that it narrows the blood vessels, causing an increase in blood pressure.
What Does Angiotensin Do in the Body?
Angiotensin is one of the many hormones that regulate blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is responsible for producing and regulating angiotensin. Angiotensin’s primary role is to constrict blood vessels, which raises blood pressure by increasing the resistance to blood flow.
Angiotensin also stimulates the release of aldosterone, another hormone that helps regulate blood pressure. Aldosterone triggers the retention of sodium in the kidneys, which, in turn, increases the release of potassium. This sodium retention leads to an increase in water retention, which ultimately raises blood pressure.
What Does ACE Inhibitors Mean?
ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the production of angiotensin II by inhibiting the ACE enzyme. By blocking the production of angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors cause blood vessels to dilate or widen, which reduces blood pressure.
Doctors often prescribe ACE inhibitors to patients with high blood pressure or heart failure. They are also used to treat diabetic nephropathy, a type of kidney disease that occurs in people with diabetes.
Why is ACE Important in COVID-19?
As we all know, COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it primarily affects the respiratory system. However, as the pandemic has progressed, scientists have discovered that the virus can also affect other organs in the body, including the cardiovascular system and the kidneys.
ACE plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects the ACE2 enzyme, which is a closely related enzyme to ACE. ACE2 is used to regulate blood pressure by producing a substance known as angiotensin 1-7, which has the opposite effect on blood pressure to angiotensin II produced by ACE.
Studies have shown that COVID-19 targets cells that express ACE2 receptors. Though there are still many things unknown about the relationship between COVID-19 and ACE2, some researchers have suggested that targeting the ACE2 pathway might be a potential means of treating COVID-19.
What Are Some Common ACE Inhibitors?
There are many different types of ACE inhibitors, each with its unique chemical structure, and each affects ACE differently. Here are some of the most common ACE inhibitors:
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Fosinopril
- Lisinopril
- Moexipril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Trandolapril
What Are the Side Effects of ACE Inhibitors?
ACE inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, they can cause some side effects. Some potential side effects of ACE inhibitors include:
- Dry cough
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash or itching
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you are experiencing any of these side effects while taking an ACE inhibitor, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What is the Difference Between ACE and ARB?
ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. However, they work in slightly different ways.
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the production of angiotensin II, while ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II by binding to its receptors. In other words, ACE inhibitors stop the production of angiotensin II, while ARBs stop angiotensin II from having an effect on the body.
What Are Some Common ARBs?
Like ACE inhibitors, there are many different types of ARBs. Some of the most common include:
- Candesartan
- Irbesartan
- Losartan
- Olmesartan
- Telmisartan
- Valsartan
What Are the Side Effects of ARBs?
Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs can cause some side effects. Some potential side effects of ARBs include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High potassium levels in the blood
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you are experiencing any of these side effects while taking an ARB, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
ACE is an acronym that stands for “Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme.” ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the production of angiotensin II and can be used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. ARBs are also medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but they work by blocking the action of angiotensin II rather than blocking its production. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people all over the world, researchers are exploring the relationship between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its potential treatment implications.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions people have about ACE and its related medications:
Q: What is ACE?
A: ACE stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor that can increase blood pressure.
Q: What are ACE inhibitors?
A: ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the production of angiotensin II by inhibiting the ACE enzyme. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
Q: What are some common ACE inhibitors?
A: Some of the most common ACE inhibitors include benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.
Q: What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?
A: The side effects of ACE inhibitors include dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, rash or itching, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Q: What is the difference between ACE and ARB?
A: ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. However, they work in slightly different ways. ACE inhibitors stop the production of angiotensin II, while ARBs stop angiotensin II from having an effect on the body.
Q: What are some common ARBs?
A: Some of the most common ARBs include candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, and valsartan.
Q: What are the side effects of ARBs?
A: The side effects of ARBs include dizziness, fatigue, headache, high potassium levels in the blood, nausea or vomiting, rash or itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
References
- “ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors.” Mayo Clinic, 19 Oct. 2021, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/ace-inhibitors/art-20047480.
- Devaux, Yvan, et al. “Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers and COVID-19: Promising or Deceptive?.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 9, no. 8, 2020, p. 2411., doi:10.3390/jcm9082411.
- Stenner, Ed, et al. “ARBs or ACEIs and COVID-19: what is the evidence?.” British Journal of General Practice, 9 Apr. 2020, bjgp.org/content/70/694/228.full.