ACE inhibitors

ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are a group of drugs that are prescribed for congestive heart failure and hypertension. Their effect is much like that of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers whereby they widen the blood vessels. Persons suffering heart failure, heart attack and chronic hypertension are most often prescrbied the ACE inhibitors. It is contraindicated to take NSAID or salt substitutes when taking ACE inhibitors as they might decrease their effect. Pregnant women must refrain from taking ACE inhibitors.

Anti hypertensive drugs

Anti hypertension drugs can be classified into 8 broad categories depending upon their mode of action. In this collection of health articles, we strive hard to impart information with no commercial bias and hence you may not find any commercial name of the drugs or brand names as far as possible. Instead we may present the generic names of the drugs.

To control the high blood pressure, your doctor may use one of the following group of drugs:

• Diuretics
  
  
• Beta blockers
  
  
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  
  
• Calcium channel blockers
  
  
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
  
  
• Alpha Blockers
  
  
• Centrally acting drugs
  
  
• Direct vasodilators
  
  

Angiotensin Receptor Blocker

Angiotensin II, produced within the body, tends to narrow your blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure. It also leads to a subsequent increase in the amount of water and sodium in the body. Over time, the walls of the heart and blood vessels thicken.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are drugs that block the action of the angiotensin II. These ARBs widen the blood vessels and reduce the water retained within the body. The action of the angiotensin II receptor blockers is similar to that of the ACE inhibitors. They are prescribed for persons suffering high blood pressure. ARBs are also prescribed for chronic kidney disease and heart failure. But they might lead to side-effects such as dizziness and headache and pain in the legs and back. Women who are pregnant or planning to have a baby must avoid ARBs as they can cause birth defects.