angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of medication (drug) that lowers high blood pressure (antihypertensive) by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This blockade prevents the formation of a substance called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. By inhibiting this enzyme, the drug helps blood vessels relax and widen, reduces fluid buildup by promoting the excretion of salt and water, and decreases the heart's workload. It is used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor to manage her patient's hypertension.
- Common side effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor include a persistent dry cough.
Advanced Usage
- Therapeutic Class: In medical terminology, this term refers to a specific class of cardiovascular drugs. It is often abbreviated as ACE inhibitor.
- For patients with diabetic kidney disease, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is a first-line therapy.
Variants and Related Words
- ACE inhibitor (n): The standard and much more common abbreviated form of "angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor."
- Lisinopril and enalapril are well-known ACE inhibitors.
- Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) (n): A related but distinct class of drugs that works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II rather than inhibiting its formation.
- When a patient cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor, an ARB is often prescribed instead.
Synonyms
- ACE inhibitor: The direct and primary synonym.
- Antihypertensive agent: A broader term for any blood pressure-lowering drug, which includes this class.
Related Phrases
- ACE inhibitor therapy: The use of this class of drugs in a treatment plan.
- The patient was started on ACE inhibitor therapy following his heart attack.
- ACE inhibitor-induced cough: A common adverse effect associated with this medication.
- She discontinued the medication due to an ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
Noun
- an antihypertensive drug that blocks the formation of angiotensin II in the kidney, leading to relaxation of the arteries; promotes the excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme; also used to treat congestive heart failure