Understanding Elevated ACE Levels: Causes and Implications

The ACE blood test measures the amount of ACE, or angiotensin-converting enzyme, in a patient̵7;s blood. Elevated levels of this substance can be a sign of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease, or several other medical conditions.

Sarcoidosis

• According to U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus, doctors may order ACE blood tests for patients with sarcoidosis to monitor the severity of the disease and measure a patient̵7;s response to treatment. Sarcoidosis is a disease that can cause inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes or liver and results in elevated ACE levels.

Gaucher̵7;s Disease

• Doctors may use high ACE blood test results to confirm a diagnosis of Gaucher̵7;s disease, an inherited metabolic disorder, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Leprosy

• Physicians may order an ACE blood test for patients who are suspected of having leprosy. An elevated ACE level would confirm a diagnosis of this disease.

Other Medical Conditions

• Elevated ACE blood test results can occur in patients with diabetes, hyperthyroidism or emphysema. Patients with Hodgkin̵7;s disease, lung cancer or scleroderma may also have high ACE levels in their blood.

Decreased ACE Levels

• ACE levels may decrease in patients who receive steroids such as prednisone.