From:
Sandra Fox
Date: 2005-04-20 18:49:55 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Benazep for enlarged heart
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <24056908.1114028876492.JavaMail.nobody@strontium.smartgroups.com>
The easiest way to tell a beta blocker from an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme)
inhibitor is look at the generic suffix. If it ends in -lol it's a beta blocker. If it ends
in -pril it's an ACE.
Beta blockers are usually prescribed for cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure,
migraines, etc. They work by slowing the heart's electrical system and allowing
more time for the heart to fill before pumping. They also cause the heart to
contract less strongly during each beat, lowering the pressure in the blood vessels.
Beta blockers should never be suddenly discontinued. They should never be used in
an animal with Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome.
ACE inhibitors are used in patients with congestive heart failure, high blood
pressure, etc. They work directly on the tiny musculature of the blood vessels.
Angiotensin I is "inactive" until changed by an enzyme to angiotensin II. This form
causes water and salt to be retained and causes blood pressure to rise. ACE
inhibitors reduce the amount of water and salt held in the body and therefor the
pressure in the vessels (like the water in a garden hose...the more water in the hose,
the faster and harder it sprays). They also indirectly improve blood flow to the
kidneys. ACEs, as anything else, must be used with caution. They can cause kidney
damage and raise potassium levels. They can also cause a chronic dry cough.
--- d6n6b6@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
Benazepril is actually an ACE-inhibitor. You probably have already heard of
Fortekor: that's benazepril. Enacard (enalapril) is also an ACE-inhibitor.
An example of a beta-blocker is Atenolol (which I have to take for my heart
unfortunately).
Wendy