When blood pressure is low blood vessels tighten to increase pressure
When blood pressure is low kidneys release renin
Renin breaks down angiotensinogen into angiotensin I
Angiotensin I converted to Angiotensin II in lungs
ACE inhibitors act in the lungs
ACE inhibitor blocks enzyme from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II
ACE breaks down bradykinin
Increased bradykinin can lead to cough
Angiotensin II increases squeezing on blood vessels
Angiotensin II reduction decreases aldosterone
Aldosterone increases reabsorption Sodium
Aldosterone gets rid of potassium
Less aldosterone causes potassium to increase
ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
ACE inhibitors lower risk for stroke and heart attack
*Angiotensinogen, ACE, aldosterone