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Reference Guide
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ACE
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme

What's 
ACE
?
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, or ACE for short, is a vital enzyme produced by your body, primarily in your lungs and kidneys. ACE has a crucial role in regulating your blood pressure and maintaining the balance of fluids and salts in your body. ACE's main job is to cut a substance called angiotensin I into a more active form, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II signals your blood vessels to tighten up, helping to increase your blood pressure when needed. It also prompts your kidneys to retain salt and water, which can also help to raise your blood pressure. In essence, ACE is a key player in the team that keeps your blood pressure in check, ensuring that your body's systems can function smoothly and efficiently.
If Your Levels Are High
High levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) in your blood could suggest a few different health conditions. One possibility is sarcoidosis, a disease that causes inflammation in various organs, most commonly the lungs. High ACE levels could also indicate a condition called granulomatosis with polyangiitis, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels. Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors used for treating high blood pressure, can also increase ACE levels. Additionally, conditions like liver disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism can cause elevated ACE. It's important to note that while high ACE levels can hint at these conditions, they are not definitive proof and further testing would be needed for a diagnosis.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme could include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and skin rashes.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) in your blood could suggest a few things. It might mean that your body isn't producing enough of this enzyme, which is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid and salt balance. Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors used for treating high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also lower ACE levels. Additionally, low ACE levels could be associated with specific health conditions. For instance, it's often seen in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis, two conditions that affect the lungs. However, it's important to note that low ACE levels alone are not enough to diagnose these conditions, as they can also be influenced by other factors.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme may not be easily noticeable, as they can often be associated with the underlying conditions causing the low ACE levels. However, some people might experience symptoms related to low blood pressure, such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. In cases where low ACE levels are due to lung conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis, symptoms might include persistent cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

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