Patient was educated on Captopril and its mechanism of action as follows:
- Captopril inhibits the enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which converts inactive form of angiotensin to active form of angiotensin.
- Inhibition of ACE leads to reduced formation of active angiotensin, which results in:
- Inhibition of narrowing or constriction of blood vessels, which results in reduced blood pressure.
- Reduced aldosterone secretion, resulting in reduced sodium and water retention in the body. Reduced sodium and fluid volume in the body will lead to reduced blood pressure.
- Reduced blood pressure contributes to reduced load on the heart.
- Captopril is used in conditions, such as, elevated blood pressure, increased work load on the heart, and heart failure, as it reduces the blood pressure and work load on the heart.
