ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are effective antihypertensive drugs which reduce the synthesis of angiotensin II. This hormone causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels to help control blood pressure. The ACE inhibitors prevent the hormone being produced from an inactive form, angiotensin I, thus reducing the vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure. Also, for anyone with kidney disease the drug may reduce the risk of kidney failure. Patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors will be prescribed an alternative, which affects the angiotensin II receptors.
Side effects include a dry cough, dizziness due to rapid lowering blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and a reduction in the function of the kidney.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are antihypertensive drugs that block the calcium channels in the muscle cells in the lining of arteries. For the muscle to contract, calcium must pass through these channels into the muscle cells. Failure of calcium to enter the cell prevents contraction of the muscle, the blood vessels do not constrict, and this lowers blood pressure. In people with heart failure, taking some types of calcium channel blockers can make symptoms worse or be fatal, so they may not be prescribed to people who have had a heart attack. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, swollen ankles due to a build-up of fluid in the legs, abnormal heart rhythms, flushing red in the face and constipation.
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