Note: The ACEIs can lower blood pressure, but we recommend starting with a diuretic
medication as the initial “first-step” treatment for most people with high blood pressure
who do not have heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease because there is stronger evidence
for diuretics that they prevent premature death, heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular
problems. If you are unable to tolerate a diuretic or it does not lower your
blood pressure enough, then it may be time to consider an ACE inhibitor.