Worried About New Med Combo

[CASSIEBEL]

Hi All,
I've Been A Reader For A Few Weeks But This Is My First Post.
I Have Recently Been Prescribed An Ace Inhibitor To Go Along With Atenolol And Micardis. My Question Is - Isn't It Odd To Prescribe An Ace And Arb Together? I Have Hard To Control Hbp (for 25 Years), Generalized Anxity Disorder, (untreated), And A Med Phobia
Because Of A Very Bad Reaction To Demerol While In The Hospital.
Any Info Would Be Appreciated/

[zuzu8]

Cassiebel,
I can understand anyone's anxiety about meds, but particularly if they've had, like you, a bad experience with one in the past.

This time, you shouldn't worry. There have been many studies on the theoretic and practical advantages of combination therapy of ACEs and ARBs and the conclusion seems to be very encouraging.

This combo may be beneficial for two reasons:

1) ACE inhibitors do not completely inhibit angiotensin II generation, because alternative pathways exist for producing this hormone. The combination of an ACE inhibitor and an ARB should block the renin-angiotensin system more completely.

2) In addition, ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin and vasodilator prostaglandins. If this is too technical, basically, this is a good thing... Increased kinin activity enhances the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.


So, bottom line, studies have shown that a combo ACE/ARB often decreases blood pressure more than either drug used alone.

zuzu xxx

[CASSIEBEL]

Thanks For Replying Zuzu,
I Have Been On The Combo For A Week Now And Bp Has Lowered To The High Normal Range. Will Start An Increase In Dosage Tomorrow. So Far No Side Effects.
I Feel Better About The Combo Now And Will Keep You'll Posted
Thanks Again