When ACE inhibitors are used

ACE inhibitors are used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Certain chronic kidney diseases
• Heart attacks
• A disease that involves hardening of the skin and connective tissues (scleroderma)
• Migraines

Sometimes, another blood pressure medication — such as a diuretic or calcium channel blocker — is prescribed with an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors shouldn't be taken with an angiotensin receptor blocker or with a direct renin inhibitor.