ACE inhibitor

[ eys, ey-see-ee ]

noun

1. any of a group of vasodilators used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

ACE inhibitor

noun

1. any one of a class of drugs, including captopril, enalapril, and ramipril, that cause the arteries to widen by preventing the synthesis of angiotensin: used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure

ACE inhibitor

/ ās /

1. Short for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Any of a class of drugs that cause vasodilation by inactivating an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders.
2. See also angiotensin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ACE inhibitor¹

First recorded in 1980–85; abbreviation of a(ngiotensin)-c(onverting) e(nzyme)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ACE inhibitor¹

C20: from a ( ngiotensin- ) c ( onverting ) e ( nzyme ) inhibitor

Example Sentences

ACE inhibitors, on the other hand, help the body preserve potassium.

From Seattle Times

When someone is taking an ACE inhibitor like benazepril, captopril, enalapril or lisinopril, extra potassium can become life-threatening.

From Seattle Times

Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors.

From Science Daily

Are you on blood-thinning medicines, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers or other NSAIDs?

From Salon

When his blood pressure didn’t budge, his internist added two other classes of drugs: a calcium channel blocker and an ACE inhibitor.

From Washington Post