USA- The MayoClinic.org writes that a type of blood pressure medication, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been connected to angioedema, especially in people who smoke. ACE inhibitors are used to relax a patient’s blood vessels. The drug prevents the body’s production of the enzyme angiotensin II. The enzyme can raise a patient’s blood pressure because […]
USA- The MayoClinic.org writes that a type of blood pressure medication, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been connected to angioedema, especially in people who smoke.
ACE inhibitors are used to relax a patient’s blood vessels. The drug prevents the body’s production of the enzyme angiotensin II. The enzyme can raise a patient’s blood pressure because it causes a narrowing of the blood vessels and releases certain hormones which can raise blood pressure as well. There are many different brands of this drug available to patients and doctors can work with a person to determine which will be the most effective given the person’s health and what condition the drug is being used to treat.
ACE inhibitors are prescribed to treat patients with migraines, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and scleroderma. Doctors may prescribe ACE inhibitors in combination with other drugs in order to treat patients with high blood pressure.
There are a number of side-effects associated with ACE inhibitors, but in some cases, patients can develop angioedema. This condition occurs more frequently in patients who are smokers.
Angioedema is a condition that is related to hives. Hives are a reaction in the skin characterized by itchy welts. This condition can be caused by medications, food and other substances. Angioedema is similar and is characterized by swelling that takes place in the skin’s deeper layers. The reaction often occurs in a patient’s face and lips.
In some instances, angioedema can become a serious condition that causes the throat and tongue to swell and block a person’s airways. In these patients, angioedema can become a life-threatening condition.
