Test Details: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is a main component of renin-angiotensin system. ACE converts the hormone angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing the constriction of blood vessels and thereby increasing the blood pressure. Higher ACE levels indicate a condition called sarcoidosis. This condition leads to formation of inflammatory cells called granulomas in the body thereby causing inflammation of organs such as lungs, skin, eyes, etc. The granulomas increase the amount of ACE in the blood. Hence this test may be used to confirm diagnosis or monitor treatment for sarcoidosis. Patients with sarcoidosis may have symptoms such as cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, sore or stiff joints, headache. Other conditions that may cause higher levels of ACE include Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Hyperthyroidism, Multiple Myeloma, Leprosy, etc.