Ramipril Uses

There are a number of uses for ramipril. The medicine is licensed to treat high blood pressure, as well as congestive heart failure following a heart attack to help increase survival and decrease the chances of developing severe heart failure. Ramipril is also used to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and death from heart- or blood vessel-related causes in people over the age of 55 with a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes. There are also some "off-label" ramipril uses, including treating kidney problems in people with scleroderma (hardening and thickening of the skin).

Ramipril Tablets

Ramipril Uses: An Overview

Ramipril (Altace^®) has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These ramipril uses include:

Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treating congestive heart failure following a heart attack to help increase survival and decrease the chances of developing severe heart failure
Reducing the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and death from heart- or blood vessel-related causes in people over the age of 55 with a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes.

Effects of Ramipril

Ramipril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors (ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme).

Ramipril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this enzyme, ramipril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure.

Because ramipril medication lowers blood pressure, it can reduce the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). For those with congestive heart failure, relaxing the blood vessels can make it easier for the heart to pump.

(Ramipril Uses Continued: Page 2)