What is an ace inhibitor?

Ace inhibitors are medications that are used to prevent or reduce the risk of stroke in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Ace inhibitors help by preventing blood clotting, reducing the number of platelets present, and inhibiting thromboxane A 2 , which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Ace inhibitors also increase levels of prostacyclin, which decreases inflammation and promotes vasodilation. All these effects lower the risk of stroke due to coronary artery disease.

Most people with heart conditions will be prescribed an ace inhibitor medication as part of their treatment regimen for preventing or managing a cardiac event.