{"id":145727,"date":"2024-12-03T05:09:26","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T05:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=145727"},"modified":"2024-12-03T15:35:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:35:21","slug":"unveiling-angiotensin-the-kidneys-powerful-tool-in-regulating-blood-pressure-by-dr-harold-gunatillake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/unveiling-angiotensin-the-kidneys-powerful-tool-in-regulating-blood-pressure-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/","title":{"rendered":"Unveiling Angiotensin: The Kidney’s Powerful Tool in Regulating Blood Pressure – By Dr Harold Gunatillake"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unveiling Angiotensin: The Kidney’s Powerful Tool in Regulating Blood Pressure – By Dr Harold Gunatillake<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"kidney<\/p>\n

\"Harold-Gunethilake\"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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello everyone! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we\u2019re diving into the fascinating world of angiotensin\u2014a hormone secreted by the kidneys that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. We\u2019ll explore angiotensin, how it works, and its importance in managing hypertension. So, let\u2019s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Angiotensin?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that helps regulate blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and triggering the release of other hormones. It\u2019s a key player in the renin<\/span><\/p>\n

-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), essential for maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Angiotensin Work?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS):<\/span><\/p>\n

When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release an enzyme called renin into the bloodstream.<\/span><\/p>\n

Renin is an enzyme that helps control your<\/span><\/p>\n

blood pressure and maintain healthy sodium and potassium levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Made by special cells in your kidneys, renin is released into your bloodstream when your blood pressure drops too low.<\/span><\/p>\n

Renin converts angiotensinogen, a protein The liver produces it into angiotensin-1.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin I is then converted into angiotensin II by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), primarily in the lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope that is clearly understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s find out the Functions of Angiotensin II: Vasoconstriction: Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adrenal glands are found like caps on the head of the kidneys.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medications Target RAAS:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Most of you take ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin 11 blockers, or ARBs to control your blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACE Inhibitors: These drugs block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure by preventing vasoconstriction and decreasing aldosterone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): ARBs block the action of angiotensin II on its receptors, preventing its blood pressure-raising effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

List of ACE inhibitors and ARBs. You may be taking one of them prescribed by your doctor for hypertension.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of ACE inhibitors include:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n