Unveiling Angiotensin: The Kidney’s Powerful Tool in Regulating Blood Pressure – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and triggers the release of a hormone that causes water retention, leading to increased blood volume and higher blood pressure. This is nature’s emergency response.
Hello everyone! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of angiotensin—a hormone secreted by the kidneys that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. We’ll explore angiotensin, how it works, and its importance in managing hypertension. So, let’s get started!
What is Angiotensin?
Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that helps regulate blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and triggering the release of other hormones. It’s a key player in the renin
-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), essential for maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance.
This is a natural survival kit. Sometimes, an accidental injury may cause bleeding, prompting the body to narrow blood vessels to reduce blood loss. So, Angiotensin is a vasoconstrictor.
How Does Angiotensin Work?
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS):
When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release an enzyme called renin into the bloodstream.
Renin is an enzyme that helps control your
blood pressure and maintain healthy sodium and potassium levels.
Made by special cells in your kidneys, renin is released into your bloodstream when your blood pressure drops too low.
Renin converts angiotensinogen, a protein The liver produces it into angiotensin-1.
Angiotensin I is then converted into angiotensin II by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), primarily in the lungs.
I hope that is clearly understood.
Now let’s find out the Functions of Angiotensin II: Vasoconstriction: Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure.
Now, Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland: It stimulates the adrenal glands to release aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water retention by the kidneys, further increasing blood pressure.
Adrenal glands are found like caps on the head of the kidneys.
Thirst and Salt Appetite: Angiotensin II secreted by the kidneys also triggers the sensation of thirst and the desire for salt, helping to increase fluid intake and blood volume. As mentioned earlier, these mechanisms work in the body at times of bleeding from trauma or other causes.
Now, let us discuss the role of Angiotensin in Hypertension When the RAAS, ie. Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone system is overactive, which can lead to sustained high blood pressure or hypertension. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Medications Target RAAS:
Most of you take ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin 11 blockers, or ARBs to control your blood pressure.
ACE Inhibitors: These drugs block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure by preventing vasoconstriction and decreasing aldosterone levels.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): ARBs block the action of angiotensin II on its receptors, preventing its blood pressure-raising effects.
List of ACE inhibitors and ARBs. You may be taking one of them prescribed by your doctor for hypertension.
Examples of ACE inhibitors include:
- Benazepril (Lotensin).
- Captopril.
- Enalapril (Vasotec). Fosinopril.
- Lisinopril (Zestril). Moexipril.
- Perindopril. Quinapril.
- List of ARB drugs
Examples of angiotensin two receptor blockers include: Azilsartan (Edarbi). Candesartan (Atacand). Irbesartan (Avapro). Losartan (Cozaar). Olmesartan (Benicar). Telmisartan (Micardis). Valsartan (Diovan).
You can manage your high blood pressure naturally without the above drugs, such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs—angiotensin blockers.
I have done it so that you can do it, too Healthy Diet:
Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce salt intake to help manage blood pressure.
Regular Exercise:
Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health.
Stress Management:
Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking:
Reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking to support overall heart health.
Conclusion
Angiotensin is a powerful hormone that is vital in regulating blood pressure. Understanding how it works
and how to manage its effects can help us maintain better health and prevent hypertension. Thanks for watching! If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family.
Stay healthy, and see you next time! Goodbye for now
Sources: Cleveland Clinic , Verywell Health , National Kidney Foundation
