heart and blood vessel disorders
Drug Treatment for Heart Failure
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin IIis a hormone that triggers release of aldosterone andvasopressin, both of which cause the kidneys to retain salt and water. ACE inhibitors thus help limit fluid retention and are one of the mainstays of systolic heart failure treatment. These drugs not only reduce symptoms and the need for hospitalization but also prolong life. ACE inhibitors reduce blood levels of the hormonesangiotensin IIand thus aldosterone, which normally help increase blood pressure (see figure). By doing so, ACE inhibitors cause arteries and veins to widen (dilate) and help the kidneys excrete excess water, thus decreasing the amount of work the heart has to do. These drugs also may have direct beneficial effects on the heart and blood vessel walls. 