How do ACE inhibitors work?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a substance in the body that changes an inactive blood chemical to a very active blood vessel constrictor, or “squeezer.” Blood vessel constrictors cause blood vessels to narrow. The body uses ACE to help regulate the blood pressure. It makes the blood vessels constrict when blood pressure needs to be higher. In some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) the enzyme is overactive. This can cause high blood pressure and increase the workload of the heart and other organs. ACE inhibitors slow the activity of this enzyme.
ACE inhibitors work by stopping the action of a chemical in the blood called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). As a result of this, the blood-vessels all over the body become wider, and blood can flow through them more readily. This makes it easier for the heart to work. If your heart is already under strain, it will have less work to do and you will feel better. Blood pressure is mostly raised because the blood-vessels are narrow: the wider blood-vessels allow the blood pressure to fall.
• These medicines block an enzyme in the body that is responsible for causing the blood vessels to narrow. If the blood vessels are relaxed, your blood pressure is lowered and more oxygen-rich blood can reach your heart. • ACE inhibitors lower the amount of salt and water in your body, which also helps to lower your blood pressure. How much do I take? There are many different kinds of ACE inhibitors. The amount of medicine that you need to take may vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about how and when to take this medicine. What if I am taking other medicines? Other medicines that you may be taking can increase or decrease the effect of ACE inhibitors. These effects are called an interaction. Be sure to tell your doctor about every medicine and vitamin or herbal supplement that you are taking, so he or she can make you aware of any interactions. The following are some of the medicines that can interact with ACE inhibitors. Because there are so many kinds of me
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a substance in the body that converts an inactive blood chemical to a very active blood vessel constrictor, or “squeezer.” Blood vessel constrictors narrow the internal diameter of blood vessels. The body uses ACE to help regulate the blood pressure by making the blood vessels constrict when blood pressure needs to be higher. In some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) the enzyme is overactive. This can cause high blood pressure and increase the workload of the heart and other organs.
ACE inhibitors prevent the body from creating a hormone known as angiotensin II. They do this by blocking (inhibiting) a special chemical called angiotensin converting enzyme. This has a variety of effects but essentially relaxes blood vessels and helps to reduce the amount of water re-absorbed by the kidneys. These actions help to decrease blood pressure as explained below. Your body has a number of different ways of maintaining your blood pressure, but there are two main elements. One of the major factors is the resistance of the body’s blood vessels. If the blood vessels constrict (tighten), resistance increases. If the blood vessels dilate (relax), the resistance is lower. If you have the same amount of fluid travelling in one vessel the pressure will be higher when the vessel is constricted than when it is relaxed. The other major factor influencing blood pressure is how much blood is pumped out of the heart. In a healthy person this depends on your heart rate (pulse) and the amou
