L-arginine and ACE inhibitors are two types of drugs that can help treat high blood pressure. Hypertension affects approximately 68 million adult Americans, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While evidence supports the use of L-arginine and ACE inhibitors, each drug carries the risk of side effects. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor about the best course of treatment for your particular case.
L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid found in a variety of foods such as red meat and dairy products. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. L-arginine can improve blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate through the synthesis of nitric oxide in your body. L-arginine is available over the counter. It also is used in medical applications. The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati explains that L-arginine may be an effective treatment option for coronary artery disease and Buerger’s disease, a condition that affects the blood vessels of the arms and legs.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors comprise a type of blood pressure medication that acts on a specific mechanism that may elevate blood pressure. These drugs inhibit the action of an enzyme responsible for increasing blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. Your doctor may prescribe an ACE inhibitor when you are first diagnosed with high blood pressure. These drugs are also prescribed to be taken in combination with a diuretic or a water pill. The goal is to lessen the workload on your heart to control your blood pressure.
Promising Studies
Since both of these drugs have positive effects on blood pressure, you may wonder if taking the two together would be better. A study by the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York, published in the June 2001 issue of the “Annals of Pharmacotherapy,” found that L-arginine enhanced dilation of blood vessels when given intravenously. This is the same effect that ACE inhibitors have to lower blood pressure by reducing the resistance of blood vessels to blood flow. These findings raise hope that L-arginine can complement traditional treatments. However, the researchers caution that more study is needed to determine the efficacy of L-arginine as part of a treatment plan.
Side Effects
ACE inhibitors, while effective, can cause side effects that you may find unpleasant. One of the most common is a persistent dry cough. Some individuals may experience fatigue or headaches. L-arginine can worsen allergy symptoms. It can also have a similar effect on herpes. Taking the two together increases the risk of low blood pressure or hypotension versus hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypotension can cause dizziness, blurred vision and fainting. It can be life-threatening if your pressure falls too low. Before taking L-arginine, consult your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vital Signs: Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension --- United States, 1999--2002 and 2005--2008; February 4, 2011
- Medline Plus; L-Arginine; November 19, 2010
- The Jewish Hospital; Oral L-Arginine Supplement and Nitric Oxide Generation; January 28, 2005
- Mayo Clinic; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors; December 16, 2010
- “Annals of Pharmacotherapy"; L-Arginine in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases; J. Cheng and S. Baldwin June 2001
- Mayo Clinic; Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension); May 19, 2011
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