Why is this important?

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly beneficial in those patients with heart failure and decreased function of the left side of the heart.  Early treatment with ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients who have heart failure symptoms or decreased heart function after a heart attack can also reduce their risk of death from future heart attacks.  ACE inhibitors are ARBs work by limited the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, and may thus lower blood pressure and reduce the work the heart has to perform.  Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are different, your doctor will decide which drug is most appropriate for you.  If you have a heart attack and/or heart failure, you should get a prescription for ACE inhibitors or ARBs if you have decreased heart function before you leave the hospital.