Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and their implications for the dental surgeon.

Angiotensin enzyme converting (ACE) inhibitors are a widely prescribed group of drugs used in the management of hypertension and heart failure. Several unwanted effects are associated with ACE inhibitors and this paper highlights those significant to the dental surgeon. Of particular concern is the problem of angioedema, which can be life threatening. Three case reports are presented that illustrate this problem and the management is discussed.