Glossary of Terms

ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitor
A medication that causes blood vessels to expand, lowers blood pressure, and prevents swelling. An ACE Inhibitor blocks the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II.

Angiotensin I is a molecule that is converted to Angiotensin II by an enzyme called Kininase, also known as an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a neurohormone that causes blood vessels to shrink (vasoconstriction), which raises blood pressure, as well as releasing aldosterone, which causes the kidneys to retain sodium and fluid, which causes swelling (edema).