What you need to know about ACE inhibitors and high blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors are a popular "first choice" medicine for many GP's beginning a person with high blood pressure on medication. If you are under 55 and not from an African-Caribbean background then it is common for you to be given an ACE Inhibitor. If you have been given an ACE inhibitor your medicine's name will end in "-pril" – such as Ramapril or Lisinopril. Remember though that this is just the generic name – the brand name of your medicine may well be different. For Ramapril for instance, the brand name of your medicine might be Lopace or Triapin. If you have any doubt, ask your pharmacist.

ACE inhibitors work by stopping your body from producing a chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II does a number of things to your body. First it has the effect of narrowing your blood vessels when it enters the blood stream which raises your blood pressure as blood is forced to travel through these narrower vessels. Secondly, it triggers a hormone that encourages your body to retain water which can also cause your blood pressure to rise.

ACE inhibitors can help lower your blood pressure by reducing the amount of angiotensin II in your body. This helps your blood vessels to relax and widen and lowers the amount of fluid your body retains, both of which help lower your blood pressure.

The most common side-effect of ACE inhibitors is a persistent dry cough. If this happens to you speak to your Doctor as there are a range of medicines available to lower blood pressure.