What is the main therapeutic effect ofACE inhibitors aside from lowering blood pressure?

The main therapeutic effect of ACE inhibitors, aside from their role in lowering blood pressure, is renal protection. ACE inhibitors are known for their ability to reduce the progression of kidney disease, particularly in patients with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. They help by decreasing intraglomerular pressure, reducing the strain on the kidneys and thus preserving kidney function over time.

This renal protective effect is particularly beneficial in patients with diabetic nephropathy, where ACE inhibitors can help to slow the progression of kidney damage and preserve renal function. This is significant because kidney health is closely tied to cardiovascular health, and preserving renal function can help improve overall patient outcomes.

In contrast, improving heart rate is not a primary effect of ACE inhibitors; they primarily focus on blood pressure regulation and renal outcomes. While potassium levels may increase as a side effect of ACE inhibitors due to decreased aldosterone activity, this is not a therapeutic aim. Reducing cholesterol is also not a function of ACE inhibitors; that role is typically filled by statins and other lipid-lowering agents. Thus, renal protection stands out as the key therapeutic effect of ACE inhibitors outside of blood pressure management.