Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (pronunciation: an-gee-oh-TEN-sin con-VER-ting EN-zyme in-HIB-it-ors), often abbreviated as ACE inhibitors, are a class of medications that are primarily used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
Etymology
The term "Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors" is derived from the name of the enzyme they inhibit, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The suffix "-inhibitor" refers to the action of these drugs, which is to inhibit or block the function of this enzyme.
Pharmacology
ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This system regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. By blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors help to reduce blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms of heart failure.
Common ACE inhibitors
Some common ACE inhibitors include:
Side effects
Like all medications, ACE inhibitors can cause side effects. Some common side effects include:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
See also
References
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