Altace

What Are the Effects of Altace?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies of people taking Altace, systolic blood pressure decreased, on average, by 6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 mmHg. Certain factors, such as ethnicity and dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of Altace on the heart and blood vessels cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, along with improved exercise tolerance.
 
Because Altace 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 makes it easier for the heart to pump.
 
This medication has also been proven to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in high-risk people over age 55. High-risk people are defined as those with a history of coronary artery disease, stroke, other types of blood vessel diseases, or diabetes.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Altace include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is generally taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
 
  • You can take Altace with or without food.
 
  • Altace should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
 
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Altace will not work if you stop taking it.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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