If you have high blood pressure, most conventionally trained doctors will prescribe you any number of commonly used blood pressure medications. These include diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. But be aware of the potential risks associated with these medications that your doctor might not be telling you; ACE inhibitor side effects range from a persistent, chronic cough to dangerous elevations in potassium.
How do ACE inhibitors work?
ACE inhibitors help to lower blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin is a chemical that constricts blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. ACE inhibitors work by causing the body to produce less of this blood pressure-raising chemical.
A bad cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors
Do you have a persistent cough that just won’t go away and has no obvious cause? These symptoms could be caused by your ACE-inhibitor prescription. One in four people on ACE inhibitors may develop a dry cough, associated with tickling or scratching in the throat.[1,2] And for some people, the coughing can be so severe that it causes the person to get sick or pass out. Researchers believe that ACE inhibitors induce cough because the medication causes an accumulation of inflammatory compounds like bradykinin and substance P.[1]
Many patients are not warned that coughing can be a potential side effect of these drugs, and it can be hard to associate the coughing with the use of the medication, as it can take weeks or months after beginning the medication for symptoms to develop.[1] Fortunately, in the majority of cases the cough will completely disappear, and quickly, if the ACE inhibitor is stopped; discontinuing the ACE inhibitor is the only uniformly effective treatment for this side effect.[1]
ACE inhibitors can cause angioedema, a dangerous fluid build-up
Although it is one of the more rare side effects of ACE inhibitors, angioedema is also one of the most dangerous. Angioedema is the build up of fluid in areas like the lips, tongue, larynx, and intestines. It frequently occurs more than six months after starting the ACE inhibitor treatment.[3] This side effect is also due to an accumulation of the compound bradykinin, which is the same one that causes coughing.[4]
When angioedema occurs surrounding the airway, it becomes a medical emergency, as the airway can become blocked leading to asphyxiation.[3] As with coughing, stopping ACE inhibitor use will lead to a resolution of these dangerous adverse effects.
Be careful of high potassium levels
Hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels outside of the normal range. ACE inhibitors interfere with the proper excretion of potassium and can cause anything from a moderate, asymptomatic increase in potassium to extremely high, life-threatening levels.[5] Elevated potassium can cause symptoms like confusion, muscle cramps, weakness, and more, as well as dangerous cardiovascular effects such as palpitation, cardiac arrhythmias, and other dangerous effects. People with diabetes and kidney problems are at an increased risk for hyperkalemia, and ACE inhibitors may be particularly risky for these people.[5,6]
Replace ACE inhibitors with natural alternatives to lower blood pressure
Other common side effects of ACE inhibitors include weakness, dizziness, fatigue, rash, headaches, sleep problems, and more.[2] But remember, these ACE inhibitor side effects can be avoided if you turn to natural, effective options for treating your high blood pressure instead. Before discontinuing your medication, however, talk to your doctor and discuss the option of trying an alternative treatment plan. It is very dangerous to stop taking these drugs without medical supervision.
Our expansive collection of blogs on high blood pressure can help you discover a variety of helpful strategies for lowering your blood pressure naturally, which include eating more polyphenol-rich berries and incorporating breathing exercises into your daily routine. Download our free report, The Best Foods to Lower Blood Pressure: Top 8 Foods to Lower Blood Pressure to help get you started.
Share your experience
Do you have high blood pressure? Have you ever experienced any of these ACE inhibitor side effects? Share your tips for managing high blood pressure naturally in the comments section below.
[1] Chest. 2006 Jan;129(1 Suppl):169S-173S.
[2] Mayo Clin Health Lett. 2013 Jan;31(1):7.
[3] J Pharm Pract. 2014 Oct;27(5):461-5.
[4] Am J Med. 2015 Feb;128(2):120-5.
[5] Cardiovasc Ther. 2012 Jun;30(3):e156-66.
[6] Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2014 Oct;13(10):1383-95.
The post 3 ACE Inhibitor Side Effects to Know About: Is it Time to Seek Out Alternatives to ACE Inhibitors? appeared first on Natural Health Advisory.
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