How to Use ACE Inhibitors to Lower High Blood Pressure

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, commonly known as ACE inhibitors, are prescribed by doctors to lower high blood pressure because of the medication's effectiveness in relaxing the blood vessels. They do this by combating a chemical called Angiotensin II, which causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract and squeeze the vessel. ACE inhibitors attack the enzyme by slowing its activity, thus enabling the blood vessels to enlarge and aid the heart in pumping blood easily throughout the body. In addition to treating high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors are used to improve failing hearts and prevent severe kidney damage in people suffering from hypertension or diabetes. Read on to learn how to use ACE inhibitors to lower high blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Follow dosage requirements and compare your test results with previous readings to gauge success in lowering your blood pressure. Based on the results, your doctor may increase or decrease your daily medication intake.

• 2

  Document all side effects and determine which are tolerable and which are intolerable. ACE inhibitors are usually well received by patients, but potential health risks can arise if you suffer from severe heart or kidney disease.

• 3

  Be mindful of your potassium intake, as ACE inhibitors may elevate blood levels of potassium, which can become potentially harmful if not corrected.

• 4

  Check with your doctor before you use aspirin and similar anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. These medications may reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors in lowering blood pressure.

• 5

  Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol excessively, as both activities will dramatically reduce the impact ACE inhibitors will have in treating high blood pressure.

• 6

  Consult your doctor on how to incorporate a healthy diet and sound exercise plan into your daily routine. A healthy body is more apt to accept medication into its system, resulting in you experiencing the maximum benefits of ACE inhibitors on lowering high blood pressure. For example, reducing caffeine and salt intake to no more than two cups of coffee or four grams of salt per day can lower blood pressure naturally by up to five percent.

• 7

  Use caution when combining ACE inhibitors with other anti-hyperintensive medications. Nearly 55 percent of Caucasians respond favorably to ACE inhibitors and experience good blood pressure control. African-Americans typically require higher dosage amounts and often experience the most successful results when ACE inhibitors are combined with diuretics.