What is angioedema and which blood pressure medications can cause it?

Angioedema is a rapid, potentially life-threatening swelling of deep tissue, most commonly affecting the face, lips, tongue, and throat, which can obstruct the airway. ACE inhibitors are the most common medication cause, occurring in approximately 0.1 to 0.7 percent of patients, with higher rates in Black patients. It can occur at any time during treatment, even after years of use. The mechanism involves bradykinin accumulation. ARBs cause angioedema much less frequently but are still used cautiously in patients with a history of ACE inhibitor angioedema.