How can an ACE help mediate her blood pressure?

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors) help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through them.

1. Inhibition of ACE: ACE is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a hormone system that regulates blood pressure. ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that causes blood vessels to narrow. By inhibiting ACE, ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to decreased levels of angiotensin II in the body.

2. Relaxation of Blood Vessels: The decrease in angiotensin II levels causes blood vessels to relax and dilate. This vasodilation reduces the resistance to blood flow, making it easier for blood to flow through the arteries and veins. As a result, blood pressure decreases.

3. Reduction in Aldosterone Secretion: Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium retention and fluid accumulation in the body. By blocking the formation of angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors indirectly reduce aldosterone secretion. Lower levels of aldosterone lead to increased sodium excretion and decreased fluid retention, contributing to the reduction in blood pressure.

4. Increased Nitric Oxide Production: ACE inhibitors have been found to increase the production of nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. NO helps relax blood vessels, further promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure.

By inhibiting ACE and its downstream effects, ACE inhibitors effectively reduce blood pressure, making them a commonly prescribed medication for the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.