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Mandatory Synthesis Essay

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Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on the other hand, block angiotensin II receptor sites. ARBs have a similar mechanism of action to ACEI. Where ACEI stops the production of angiotensin II, an ARB prevents angiotensin II from binding to the receptor cites. The outcome of this medication would be much the same as an ACEI. On an ARB the patient would exhibit vasodilation, decreased blood volume, and decrease ventricular remodeling. One major difference in the two classes is that ARBs have less incidence of cough because they do not inhibit Kinase II. This would make ARBs a great second choice for patients who could not tolerate the side effects of an ACEI. Although ARBs can extend the life of a patient in heart failure, there is no conclusive …show more content…

They are considered a first line drug to treat hypertension and heart failure. Overall, diuretics will decrease blood volume, decrease venous and arterial pressure (preload and afterload), and decrease edema both peripheral and pulmonary (Burcham 519). Thiazide diuretics are mild and only work with relatively normal glomerular filtration rate; if the patient has low GFR a thiazide will not provide optimal benefits. When low GFR is indicated a loop diuretic may be the better choice. These diuretics produce an exceptional amount of fluid loss; therefore, these drugs should be reserved for patients with especially decreased cardiac output. When combined with an ACEI or and ARB, both the thiazide diuretic and the loop diuretic could substantially improve symptomatic complication in the patient; however, the patients can experience some adverse side effects. Both can cause hypokalemia due to the increased water elimination, this can be avoided by including a potassium supplement in the daily routine or conscientiously eating foods high in potassium. Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia because of the potassium sparing effects, especially when paired with an ACEI or

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