Why is this important?

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors are a type of medicine used to treat heart attacks, high blood pressure, and heart failure. It is also frequently prescribed for a condition called “left ventricular systolic dysfunction,” which is a decreased function of the left part of your heart. ACE inhibitors can help reduce the risk of death from a heart attack if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of a heart attack. Continued use may help prevent heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by stopping the production of a hormone that can narrow your blood vessels. This helps reduce the pressure in your heart, lowering your blood pressure.

Higher percentages are better.

Information about Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure is a progressive cardiac illness in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the body's needs. You also might hear it referred to as chronic heart failure or simply heart failure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) says CHF is often the result of cardiovascular disease that has weakened the heart over a period of time. AHA estimates there are over half a million new cases each year. The annual number of deaths directly from CHF is increasing too, and it's the most common diagnosis in hospital patients age 65 years and older.

There are things people can do to decrease their chances of having CHF in their later years. The early detection and aggressive treatment of high blood pressure and heart attack… the two leading causes of CHF... are essential.
Symptoms of heart failure may include

• shortness of breath from fluid in the lungs
• swelling (such as in legs, ankles or abdomen)
• dizziness
• fatigue
• weakness
• cold or clammy skin
• a rapid or irregular heartbeat.