Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Test

Doctors order this test if a patient displays symptoms of sarcoidosis. Patients with sarcoidosis develop small masses of immune cells called granulomas in various parts of body. The masses are most commonly seen in the lungs and lead to various health issues. 

Symptoms of sarcoidosis include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Pain in the chest
• Unexpected and sudden weight loss
• Sore and stiff joints
• Problems with eyesight
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Skin changes, such as sores and rashes
  
  If you are tired of dieting and exercising and are not able to lose weight, then use myUpchar Ayurveda Medarodh Fat Burner Capsule, it has no side effects, order it today and avail the benefits.

Your healthcare provider may instruct you to avoid eating or drinking for up to 12 hours before the test. In case you are on steroid medication, you must discuss this with your doctor because steroids can affect the results of this test. Apart from this, you must also inform your doctor about any other medicines, including herbs, vitamins or supplements that you are taking. He/she may ask you to stop taking certain drugs. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicine on your own.

(Health checkup app)

In order to conduct the test, a doctor or laboratory technician will take a small sample of your blood from a vein in your arm. This is done using the following steps:

• The healthcare provider will wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to slow the flow of blood. This will make the veins present below the band to swell up so that a needle can be easily inserted
• The injection site will then be cleaned with the help of alcohol and blood will be withdrawn using a sterile needle. You may feel no pain or just a quick sting or pinch from the needle. Sometimes, more than one needle insertion may be required 
• Once enough blood is collected, the elastic band will be removed from your arm

A cotton ball will be placed over the needle site as the needle is removed. Mild pressure will be applied to the site for a few minutes and a bandage may be put over the area later.

Normal results:

The normal values of ACE depend on a person’s age. For adults, ACE levels should be less than 40 micrograms/litre.

However, this range usually varies a bit from one laboratory to another.

Abnormal results: 

Higher than normal ACE levels can be a sign of sarcoidosis. People in the age group of 20-40 years are at a higher risk of sarcoidosis. If your doctor confirms that you have sarcoidosis, then ACE tests may need to be done at regular intervals in order to monitor your condition.

High ACE levels can also indicate other diseases or disorders such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Swelling of the liver
• Lung diseases such as asthma, cancer or tuberculosis
• Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Problems with the adrenal gland
• Stomach ulcer

Lower than normal levels of ACE indicate:

• Chronic liver disease
• Kidney failure
• Anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder)
• Hypothyroidism

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.