Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): ACE Inhibitor or ARB Therapy
• Technical/Medical Term: Clinician Prescribed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy (HCPCS Code G8935)

Summary

This medical procedure involves a clinician prescribing a medication called an ACE inhibitor or an ARB to help manage specific cardiovascular conditions. These medications work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed:
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Post-heart attack management
• Goals/Outcomes:
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve heart function
  • Slow the progression of kidney disease

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions:
  • High blood pressure not controlled by lifestyle changes
  • Symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Chronic kidney disease with proteinuria (protein loss in urine)
• Patient Criteria:
  • Patients with confirmed diagnoses of hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease
  • Patients who have had a heart attack

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • No fasting required.
  • Ongoing medications may need adjustment based on clinician's advice.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:
  • Blood tests to check kidney function (e.g., serum creatinine)
  • Blood pressure measurements

Procedure Description

1. Initial Consultation: Clinician assesses medical history, current symptoms, and medications.
2. Diagnostic Review: Review of recent blood tests and blood pressure readings.
3. Prescription: Clinician prescribes an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
4. Monitoring Instructions: Clinician provides details on how to monitor blood pressure at home and schedule follow-up appointments.

• Tools/Equipment/Technology:
  • Blood pressure monitor for home use.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

• Consultation Duration: Typically 15-30 minutes
• Overall Therapy Duration: Long-term, often lifelong depending on medical condition

Setting

• Where Performed: Outpatient clinic, primary care office, or cardiology office

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved:
  • Primary care physician, cardiologist, or nephrologist
  • Nurse for initial measurements and follow-up education

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:
  • Cough (with ACE inhibitors)
  • Elevated potassium levels
  • Low blood pressure
• Rare Risks:
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of the skin)
• Management: Regular blood tests and clinical follow-up to monitor for side effects

Benefits

• Expected Benefits:
  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • Decreased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Improved kidney function
• Realization Timeline: Benefits may start within a few weeks, with full benefits realized over months of therapy.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care:
  • Regular blood pressure monitoring at home
  • Blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolytes
• Recovery Time: There is no recovery time needed since this is a medication-based therapy.
• Restrictions/Follow-up: No significant restrictions. Follow up every 3-6 months or as directed by the clinician.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Other hypertension medications such as calcium channel blockers or diuretics
  • Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise)
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: ACE inhibitors and ARBs are often first-line treatments due to their efficacy.
  • Cons: Some patients may not tolerate side effects and need alternative medications.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: No discomfort as this involves only taking prescribed medication.
• After the Procedure: Patients may experience mild side effects like dizziness when starting therapy but these often resolve. Regular monitoring will ensure the patient's comfort and safety.
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Not applicable as this is not a painful procedure.