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ACE inhibitor |
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ACE inhibitor (ā'sē'ē`, ās) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ăn'jēōtĕn`sĭn), drug used to reduce elevated blood pressure (see hypertension hypertension or high blood pressure, elevated blood pressure resulting from an increase in the amount of blood pumped by the heart or from increased resistance to the flow of blood through the small arterial blood vessels (arterioles). ..... Click the link for more information. ), to treat congestive heart failure congestive heart failure, inability of the heart to expel sufficient blood to keep pace with the metabolic demands of the body. In the healthy individual the heart can tolerate large increases of workload for a considerable length of time. ..... Click the link for more information. , and to alleviate strain on hearts damaged as a result of a heart attack (see infarction myocardial infarction or heart attack is usually caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The blockage typically occurs when a blood clot (see thrombosis ) lodges in an area already narrowed by arteriosclerosis ; other ..... Click the link for more information. ). ACE inhibitors block production of an enzyme that helps convert the protein angiotensin 1 into angiotensin 2, a protein that makes blood vessels constrict and promotes retention of fluid, raising blood pressure. Thus ACE inhibitors act to widen the blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body. captopril (Capoten), ramipril (Altace), and enalapril (Vasotec) are commonly used ACE inhibitors. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan), reduce hypertension by displacing angiotensin 2 from receptors on the surface of cells. ARBs are used as alternatives to the less expensive ACE inhibitors because they have fewer side effects. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| ? Mentioned in | ? References in periodicals archive | ||
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| Babies exposed in the first trimester of their mother's
pregnancy to blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors are at an
increased risk of birth defects, according to a new study. "It takes 15 to 17
years for a new concept to become routine, such as ace inhibitors for
congestive heart failure and beta blockers for myocardial
infarction," Bechard says. Diuretics, oxygen, surgery and low-sodium diets treat
the symptoms, while ACE inhibitors and beta blocking drugs prolong life
and reduce hospitalizations. |
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