Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of ACE inhibitor use as follows:

1. Dehydration: ACE inhibitors by inhibiting secretion of Aldosterone, result in water loss from the body. This can lead to fluid volume depletion and symptoms of dehydration.
2. Low sodium levels: ACE inhibitors by inhibiting secretion of Aldosterone, result in sodium loss from the body. This can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium levels in blood).
3. Hypotension: Excessive loss of sodium and fluid volume from the body can result in very low blood pressure levels.
4. Reduced blood flow to end organs: Deficient fluid volume in the body contributes to reduced blood volume and can lead to reduced blood flow to end organs, such as, heart, kidney, and brain. Long-term continuation of these symptoms can result in episodes of acute chest pain due to reduced blood supply to heart muscle, acute renal failure, and stroke.
5. High potassium levels: ACE inhibitors tend to retain potassium in the body, in exchange for sodium loss. This can lead to high potassium levels, which can be very dangerous at times.
6. Common side effects of taking ACE inhibitors can include: Nausea and vomiting, skin rash, dry persistent cough, which is a more common finding.
7. More serious side effects of taking ACE inhibitors can include