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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Angiotensins and its Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin, a peptide, causes blood vessels to constrict, and drives
blood pressure up. It is part of the renin-angiotensin system, which
is a major target for drugs that lower blood pressure.There are four
different types of Angiotensins

Angiotensin I, Angiotensin II, Angiotensin III & Angiotensin IV.

Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in the blood by the enzyme
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

ACE inhibitors are used for controlling blood pressure, treating heart
failure, preventingstrokes, and preventing kidney damage in people
with hypertension or diabetes. They also improve survival after heart
attacks.

ACE inhibitors are very similar. However, they differ in how they are
eliminated from the body and their doses. Some ACE inhibitors need to
be converted into an active form in the body before they work.

ACE inhibitors are well-tolerated by most individuals. Nevertheless,
they are not free of side effects, and some patients should not use
ACE inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors usually are not prescribed for pregnant patients
because they may causebirth defects.

Individuals with bilateral renal artery stenosis (narrowing) may
experience worsening of kidney function, and people who have had a
severe reaction to ACE inhibitors probably should avoid them.

References

www.medicinenet.com
Wikipedia

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