ACE Inhibitor

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ACE Inhibitor

ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors are a class of medication used primarily for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. They work by causing relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart.

Pronunciation

ACE inhibitor: /ˈeɪsiː ɪnˈhɪbɪtər/

Etymology

The term "ACE inhibitor" is derived from the full name 'Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor'. Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors inhibit (reduce the activity of) the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is part of the renin–angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure.

Related Terms

  • Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARBs): Another class of drug used to treat hypertension.
  • Renin inhibitor: A type of drug that directly inhibits renin, an enzyme that is upstream from ACE in the blood pressure regulation pathway.
  • Calcium channel blocker: A type of drug that disrupts the movement of calcium through calcium channels, which can be used to decrease hypertension.

See Also

External links

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