How do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors benefit patients with chronic kidney disease?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) primarily because they lower blood pressure and reduce proteinuria. Hypertension is a common complication of CKD and can accelerate the progression of kidney damage. By inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors cause blood vessels to relax, which reduces blood pressure.

Additionally, these medications are particularly effective in reducing proteinuria, which is the presence of excess protein in the urine—a sign of kidney damage. Increased protein levels in urine indicate that the kidneys are not filtering properly, and reducing this excess protein is crucial for slowing the progression of kidney disease. By decreasing both blood pressure and proteinuria, ACE inhibitors help protect kidney function over time and improve overall outcomes for patients with CKD.