An individual is taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibi

An individual is taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or ACE inhibitor, which lowers secretion of aldosterone. What longterm effect will this drug potentially have on this individual? Use the following terms in your answer: potassium, ECF, pH, antidiuretic hormone, and aldosterone.

Solution

Angiotensin is a chemical which circulates in the blood and helps in constricting of blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure. Angiotensin is produced by ACE enzyme which itself is produced by angiotensinogen produced by liver. ACE inhibitor aids in lesser production of angiotensin thus vessels are dilated and blood pressure lowers. The drug could have adverse effects if taken for the long term, as described below:-

1. ACE inhibitor causes lower secretion of aldosterone which main function is to maintain salt balance or extracellular fluid balance in the body, that is Na ion is retained in the body and K ion is excreted. When aldosterone secretion falls there is retention of excess potassium in the body leading to cause hyperkalemia or acute kidney failure.

2. Insufficient aldosterone production causes shift in K ion concentration from intracellular to extracellular fluids which accompanies an increase in H ion concentration in blood called acidosis that is increased acidity in the blood causing diseases like liver failure, heart attack and cancer.

3. Lower secretion of aldosterone also has an adverse effect on ADH or antidiuretic hormone which main fuction is to conserve body water by means of osmoregularity. Due to imbalnce in salt concentration in blood caused by lower aldosterone, renal failure occurs that is reduced renal absorption of water occurs in the blood. This condition can lead to diabetes in the people.

4. Hypofunction of adrenal cotex causes Addison\'s disease. The effects are muscular weakness, loss of weight, pigmentation, hypotension etc.