Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
Pronunciation: ace in-hib-ih-tor
What it officially means
An ACE inhibitor is a type of medication used to treat:-
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Kidney protection in some conditions
It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the effects of certain hormones that raise blood pressure.
Ramipril is one example of an ACE inhibitor.
What people often hear
It can sound technical and abstract — like something only cardiologists understand.
In practice, it’s simply a category of blood pressure medication.
What it meant in practice
Knowing that ramipril is an ACE inhibitor helps explain:-
- Why it affects kidney function
- Why pharmacists ask about NSAIDs
- Why blood tests may be monitored
It’s not just “a blood pressure tablet” – it works on hormone pathways.
Bottom line
An ACE inhibitor is a type of blood pressure medication that relaxes blood vessels and protects the heart and kidneys. Ramipril is a common example.