Altace

Definition

Altace is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altace is classified as a long-acting ACE inhibitor, meaning it has a prolonged duration of action.
2. Altace is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so dosage adjustments may be needed in patients with liver or kidney disease.
3. Altace can cause a dry cough in some patients as a side effect, which is a common class effect of ACE inhibitors.
4. Altace has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients with high blood pressure or heart disease.
5. Altace may be used in combination with other medications, such as diuretics or calcium channel blockers, to better control blood pressure.

Review Questions

• Explain how Altace, as an ACE inhibitor, works to lower blood pressure.
  • Altace works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure. By blocking this conversion, Altace reduces the production of angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to relax and dilate, which in turn lowers overall blood pressure. This mechanism of action is the primary way Altace helps manage hypertension and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients.
• Describe the potential side effects associated with Altace and how they relate to its mechanism of action as an ACE inhibitor.
  • One of the common side effects of Altace, as with other ACE inhibitors, is a dry cough. This is believed to be caused by the accumulation of bradykinin, a vasodilatory peptide, which is normally broken down by ACE. When ACE is inhibited by Altace, bradykinin levels rise, leading to cough reflex stimulation. Additionally, ACE inhibitors like Altace can cause hypotension, especially in patients who are volume-depleted, due to the vasodilatory effects of reduced angiotensin II production. Monitoring for these potential side effects is important when initiating or adjusting Altace therapy.
• Analyze the role of Altace in the management of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and heart failure, and how its mechanism of action contributes to improved patient outcomes.
  • Altace, as an ACE inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in the management of both hypertension and heart failure. By inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, Altace reduces vascular resistance, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the workload on the heart. This can lead to improved cardiac function and reduced risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients with high blood pressure or existing heart disease. Additionally, Altace has been found to improve survival and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with heart failure, likely due to its ability to modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its beneficial effects on cardiac remodeling. The comprehensive cardiovascular benefits of Altace make it a valuable therapeutic option for managing these common and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Related terms

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE): ACE is an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure.

Angiotensin II: Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): The RAAS is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.