Why is ACE inhibitor the first line for hypertension?

Why is ACE inhibitor the first line for hypertension?

Introduction. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) effectively lower blood pressure (BP) through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system and are equally recommended as first-line medications in the treatment of hypertension.

What is the first line drug for hypertension?

There are three main classes of medication that are usually in the first line of treatment for hypertension: 1. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) 2. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or ACE-I) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) 3. Diuretics.

What is the most troublesome side effect of ACE inhibitors?

Angioedema (swelling under the skin) Angioedema is the most severe symptom associated with ACE inhibitors and occurs in 0.1-0.2% of patients. Airway swelling and obstruction due to the accumulation of fluid (and bradykinin) are the main features of angioedema.

When Should ACE inhibitors not be used?

The following are people who shouldn’t take ACE inhibitors: Pregnant women. An ACE inhibitor might hurt the baby during the last six months of pregnancy. If you were already taking an ACE inhibitor and stop taking it during the first three months of pregnancy, the risk to your baby is very low.

Which is better ACE inhibitor or beta-blocker?

If you are symptomless, like many people with high blood pressure are, a doctor will probably try an ACE inhibitor first. If your high blood pressure is accompanied by chest pain or anxiety, a beta blocker could be a better option.

Are diuretics better than ACE inhibitors?

Diuretics Better Than ACE Inhibitors as Initial Hypertension Treatment, Analysis Suggests. In patients beginning hypertension monotherapy, diuretics are a more effective and safer option than angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, according to a large, retrospective, industry-funded analysis in The Lancet.

Who Cannot take ACE inhibitors?

The following are people who shouldn’t take ACE inhibitors:

• Pregnant women.
• People with severe kidney failure.
• People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction that caused their tongue and lips to swell, even if it was from a bee sting, should not take ACE inhibitors.

How long can you stay on ACE inhibitors?

There is therefore sufficient evidence to state that long-term ACE-inhibitor therapy for up to 5 years provides a continuous, cumulative benefit in patients with post-infarction heart failure or LV dysfunction.

Do ACE inhibitors damage kidneys?

Long-Term Use of ACE Inhibitors May Cause Kidney Damage, Study Results Suggest. New research raises concerns about the commonly prescribed medications used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, though investigators say patients should continue to take them.

What drugs should not be taken with ACE inhibitors?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors. Taking an occasional dose of these medications shouldn’t affect how an ACE inhibitor works, but talk to your doctor if you regularly take NSAIDs .