High blood pressure and ACE inhibitors
High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, is a serious condition that affects one in three adults in the United States. Its specialty is to read the blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg.
Medicines that reduce blood pressure are called antihypertensives. They come in many types of classes. Ace Inhibitor is a class of antihypertensives.
Ace stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. These medicines reduce blood pressure by encouraging blood vessels to relax and open. It promotes free flow of blood.
Since 1981, ACE inhibitors have generally been set to treat hypertension. The reason for this is that they bear well by those people who take them. They usually take only once a day, often in the morning. They can be determined with diuretic or calcium channel blockers, which are also used to treat hypertension.
How ACE Inhibitors Work
There are two primary tasks of ACE inhibitors. First, they reduce the amount of sodium intact in the kidneys. Secondly, they stop the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone usually makes blood vessels narrow. When this hormone does not occur, the blood flows more effectively than the vessels. It helps to relax and expand blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure.
For a better view, imagine a garden hose. It will require more pressure to obtain a gallon of water through the tube with a quarter inch diameter and it must be obtained through the garden hose with an inch diameter. Due to low pressure the water will get out of the tube. With more pressure the water will get out easily.
Types of ACE inhibitors
Common ACE inhibitors include:
- benazepril (Lotensin)
- captopril (Capoten)
- enalapril (Vasotec)
- fosinopril (Monopril)
- lisinopril (Zestril)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- ramipril (Altace)
- moexipril (Univasc)
- perindopril (Aceon)
- trandolapril (Mavik)
Benefits of ACE inhibitors
In addition to reducing blood pressure, ACE inhibitors can have a positive effect on overall health. These medicines can slow down the progression of kidney disease and atherosclerosis. Due to the formation of atherosclerosis plaque, there is contraction of the arteries. ACE inhibitors have also proved beneficial for people with diabetes.
Side effect of ACE inhibitors
Most people tolerate these medicines well. However, like all medicines, ACE inhibitors can cause many side effects in some people. Contains:
- fatigue
- rash
- decreased ability to taste
- a dry, hacking cough
- low blood pressure
- fainting
In rare cases, ACE inhibitors can cause swelling in the lips, tongue and throat, making breathing difficult. Smoking people are more likely to do this. Smokers should talk to their doctor about their risk before using ACE inhibitors.
People with impaired kidney function should also be cautious while taking this type of medication. An ACE inhibitor can cause an increase in potassium levels. This may lead to kidney failure in people with renal kidneys.
Due to the risk of these side effects, ACE inhibitors are not generally recommended for pregnant women.
Drug Interactions
Some over-the-counter pain medicines can reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and other non-anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes taking these pain medicines is not harmful when taking a fixed ACE inhibitor. But you should avoid using them regularly. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about potential drug interactions.
Take your Medicine
With any prescribed medication, you should never stop taking the ACE inhibitors until your doctor gives instructions. Once you feel better, it may be tempting to stop taking medication, but taking it continuously will help you keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. If you are facing side effects, call your doctor before taking the medication. Over time your side effects can be reduced. Your doctor may also have special instructions on how to stop the medication.
ACE inhibitors can be an important tool in maintaining normal blood pressure and healthy heart. The key is to take your medicine into account as determined and aware of potential interaction.
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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