ACE Inhibitors 101

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Stephen Sinatra
ACE inhibitors are used to help lower blood pressure levels. They work by suppressing a powerful enzyme that can cause arterial walls to constrict and drive up blood pressure levels. ACE inhibitor informationThey relax arterial walls, increasing your ability to enjoy healthy blood pressure and decreasing the work the heart has to do.

Research also shows that ACE inhibitors may improve heart function and increase the survival rate among patients with congestive cardiomyopathy. ACE inhibitors are typically prescribed following a heart attack because they support the damaged left ventricle so that it works more like a healthy heart.

Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:
  • Vasotec (enalapril),
  • Capoten (captopril),
  • Altace (ramipril),
  • Monopril (fosinopril), and
  • Accupril (quinapril).
If you’re considering ACE inhibitors, and you have a history of kidney disease or diabetes or if you take potassium supplements, make sure your doctor knows about it.

And if you are looking for other, more natural ways to lower blood pressure levels, I suggest trying hawthorn berry. Hawthorn increases blood flow in smaller vessels as it decreases blood pressure. It also helps control atrial fibrillation, ease angina, and relieve congestive heart failure. Aim for 500 mg two to three times per day.

A few other options for lowering blood pressure naturally include:
  • Grapeseed extract (300 mg daily)
  • Calcium (1,000 mg daily) and magnesium (400 mg daily)
  • Fish oil (2–4 grams daily)
  • Coenzyme Q10 (100–200 mg of hydrosoluble CoQ10 daily)
  • Garlic (500–1,000 mg daily)

For more great advice on natural ways to lower blood pressure, visit www.drsinatra.com.

Comments for ACE Inhibitors 101

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Sunday, December 19, 2010 by Ralph Cash:
I have used natural herbals for blood pressure with good success. However, all seem to have significant diuretic properties, which deplete minerals. What can be done to counteract the severe diuretic properties and yet receive the benefits of the herbals?