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Want to know the miraculous effects of ACE inhibitors? How do they protect the kidneys?
ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are a class of drugs mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. These drugs work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure and the heart's demand for oxygen. ACE inhibitors inhibit the ACE enzyme in the important renin-angiotensin system, reduce the production of vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, and increase the level of vasodilator bradykinin, forming a synergistic effect. Blood pressure lowering effect.
The application of ACE inhibitors has expanded from the initial treatment of hypertension to heart and kidney related diseases, showing its wide clinical value.
Medical Uses of ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are approved to treat high blood pressure, either alone or with other blood pressure medications. Subsequently, they were also found to have beneficial effects on other cardiovascular and renal diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and renal complications of diabetes. These drugs are designed to lower blood pressure and prevent damage to the glomeruli caused by excessive filtration and are particularly effective in people with diabetes.
Protective effect on kidneys
The protective effect of ACE inhibitors on the kidneys is mainly manifested in reducing renal tubular pressure and improving renal blood flow. In addition, ACE inhibitors improve the metabolic function of the kidneys, thereby reducing the risk of kidney damage caused by hypertension. In the long term, this helps slow down diabetes-induced tubulopathy, such as diabetic nephropathy.
Studies have shown that ACE inhibitors not only provide protection by lowering blood pressure, but also prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy, which is of great significance for the long-term health maintenance of the kidneys.
Side effects and precautions
While the benefits of ACE inhibitors are significant, they also have some common side effects, such as low blood pressure, cough, and hyperkalemia. Patients using these drugs need to have their renal function monitored regularly to assess their effects on the kidneys, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Latest Research and Analysis
According to a meta-analysis published in BMJ in 2012, ACE inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of pneumonia, especially in patients with a history of heart failure or stroke. This finding provides broader support for the clinical application of ACE inhibitors.
How to choose a suitable ACE inhibitor
There are many ACE inhibitors available on the market, including benazepril, lisinopril and ramipril. Choosing the right drug often depends on the patient's specific condition and his or her sensitivity to specific drugs, and sometimes it needs to be used in combination with other drugs to achieve the best effect.
ConclusionBy improving kidney health, ACE inhibitors can effectively reduce the risk of long-term kidney function decline and protect the cardiovascular system.
ACE inhibitors play an increasingly important role in protecting the heart and kidneys. Although they have side effects, they can effectively improve patients' quality of life through proper monitoring and management. As research deepens, there may be wider applications and new treatment options in the future. So, will ACE inhibitors become key drugs for treating other diseases?
