Angiotension-Converting Enzyme
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)
| See Also | Lab Tests |
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The angiotension-converting enzyme or ACE test is used to help diagnose and monitor sacroidoisis and to help differentiate this systemic condition fro other disorders causing similar symptoms.[1], [2]
Discussion
- The symptoms that typically indicate the need to run this test include granulomas that create small bumps under the skin, a lingering cough, red watery eyes, and/or symptoms suggestive of sarcoidosis.
- This test measures the amount of angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood. ACE is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. It assists in the conversion of angiotension I (an inactive protein) to angiotension II.
Patient Preparation
- No fasting required.
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- Medications, such as ACE inhibitors that are used to lower blood pressure.
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Sarcoidosis
- HIV
- Histoplasmosis (fungal respiratory infection)
- diabetes mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Lymphoma
- Alcoholic cirrohisis
- Gaucher disease (a rare inherited lipid metabolism disorder)
- Tuberculosis
- Leprosy
Low levels indicate:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung diseases, such as emphysema, lung cancer or cystic fibrosis
- Starvation
- Steroid drug therapy
- Hyperthyroidism
Associated Tests
- AFB Smear and Culture, Sputum Culture, Liver Panel, CBC, Serum Calcium
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
