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Posted on Mar 19, 2008, 9 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Drugs that inhibit ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme). An enzyme needed for the production of the peptide angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and therefore raises the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II. This relaxes the arteries and thus lowers blood pressure.
Drugs that inhibit ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme). An enzyme needed for the production of the peptide angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and therefore raises the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II. This relaxes the arteries and thus lowers blood pressure. Relaxing the arteries also helps to improve the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and therefore increase cardiac output in patients with heart failure. ACE inhibitors are used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors currently in use include: benazepril, captopril, lisinopril, quinapril, and ramipril.
