subject: Utilizing Ace Inhibitors To Combat Hypertension [print this page] ACE inhibitors are a very specific type of medication that many doctors prescribe for their patients with high blood pressure. They work primarily by helping the blood vessels to relax. When this happens, blood will flow through the arteries much easier and the blood pressure will be reduced.
But what causes the arteries to narrow in the first place? There are various reasons why your arteries may become narrow. But the reason that this type of medication was created to combat was a narrowing of the arteries caused by angiotensin.
Angiotensin is not a foreign substance in the body. In fact, it is a chemical that is naturally produced by the body. Sometimes, however, the body can produce too much angiotensin. And this causes a problem. In these cases, it will cause arteries in various parts of the body to narrow. Of course, it takes more pressure to force blood through narrow arteries than through ones that are wide. So the heart responds by beating faster to push the blood. And this is what causes the blood pressure to rise.
When your doctor prescribes an ace inhibitor based medication, he may also prescribe other type of medications such as a diuretic, beta blocker, or calcium channel. The reason for multiple types of medications is that often, one type is not enough to bring down the blood pressure enough by itself. But, in combination with one or more other medications, the pressure can be safely brought down to normal levels.
There are additional reasons why your physician might put you on an ACE inhibitor type medication. And that is if you have had a heart attack. The medication makes it so that your heart doesn't have to put as much effort into pumping blood through your body. And this can help to decrease the chances of a second or third heart attack.
It's pretty much impossible to develop any type of synthetic medication that has zero side effects. However, typically, you will not know what types of side effects you will have until you actually begin to take the medication. Therefore, especially when you first start a new medication, it is important that you monitor noticeable effects on your body.
Unfortunately, changes in blood pressure is not something that most people notice. As a result, you may find it worthwhile to invest in a hypertension monitor. This will help you to ensure that your medications are working and that your blood pressure remains in the normal range.
One thing to be aware of is that an ACE inhibitor based medication can possibly interact with foods as well as other medications. As a result, it is extremely important that your doctor is aware of any other medications that you are taking. This includes herbs that you may be taking for related or unrelated health reasons.
