What is "ace inhibitor"

n. (context medical English) any one of a class of blood pressure-lowering drugs, including captopril and enalapril, that cause the arteries to widen by preventing the synthesis on angiotensin

An angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and congestive heart failure.

This group of drugs cause relaxation of blood vessels, as well as a decreased blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart. They inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, an important component of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.

Frequently prescribed ACE inhibitors include perindopril, trandolapril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.