How Do Ace Inhibitors Lower Blood Pressure?
High Blood Pressure High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the main risk factors for the later development of heart disease. Narrow blood vessels are often the cause of high blood pressure. When blood vessels are too narrow, the heart must work extraordinarily hard to pump blood throughout the body. Blood vessels often become more narrow when they’re affected by angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) released by the body. These enzymes trigger the blood vessels to constrict and tighten. This enzyme can be subdued by ACE inhibitor medication. How ACE Inhibitors Work ACE inhibitors are a type of medication that helps to lower blood pressure by stopping the production of angiotensin II. This substance triggers the release of hormones that may raise blood pressure. It also causes the blood vessels to become more narrow. By preventing angiotensin II from being produced in the body, the medication promotes the relaxation of the cardiac blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily thr
