Please explain

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I know that patients with CHF get Ace inhibitors, but why? If their BP is already low due to decreased cardiac output, would ACE inhibitors lower it even more and prevent adequate perfusion. Is it because it decreases vascualar resistance and allows the heart to pump more effectively?

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ACE inhibitors decrease fluid overload in CHF

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Specializes in ICU.

yes..

also remember how the heart gets its blood from the (back wash) of the heart beat.

blood pressure is relative.

my wifes, normal blood pressure is 80/25.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

people with chf have high blood pressure not low blood pressure. ace (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors decrease the formation of angiotensin which is a vasoconstrictor that causes blood pressure to elevate. once angiotensin is inhibited arteries and veins may dilate lowering peripheral resistance resulting in lowered blood pressure in patients with chf and increasing the cardiac output of their hearts. this also causes a decrease in afterload.

on the student forums see the sticky https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/pharmacology-help-140434.html - pharmacology help! also, http://www.pharmacology2000.com/learning2.htm and http://www.cvpharmacology.com/index.html - cardiovascular pharmacology concepts

for a detailed explanation of chf see http://cvphysiology.com/index.html - cardiovascular physiology concepts, click on the "heart failure" link at the left side of the page

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

ACE-Is are indicated for people with CHF because the decreased cardiac output associated with a low EF (Ejection Fraction) means decreased kidney perfusion. The kidneys respond to decreased perfusion by increasing fluid retention, which the compromised heart cannot pump. ACE-Is interrupt this "neurohormonal response".

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