Which drug class provides neurohormonal modification and vasodilation in heart failure?

Which drug class provides neurohormonal modification and vasodilation in heart failure?

• A. ARBs
• B. Beta blockers
• C. ACE inhibitors
• D. Digoxin

Answer: (C)

ACE inhibitors are the choice because they address both neurohormonal activation and vasodilation in heart failure. By blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, they dampen the RAAS, which reduces vasoconstriction, aldosterone-driven fluid retention, and adverse remodeling. The result is lower afterload and preload, and the rise in bradykinin from ACE inhibition adds vasodilatory effect. This combination improves symptoms and survival in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Other options either mainly affect heart rate or contractility without providing the same vasodilation and neurohormonal suppression, or they block RAAS without the bradykinin-mediated vasodilation.

ACE inhibitors are the choice because they address both neurohormonal activation and vasodilation in heart failure. By blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, they dampen the RAAS, which reduces vasoconstriction, aldosterone-driven fluid retention, and adverse remodeling. The result is lower afterload and preload, and the rise in bradykinin from ACE inhibition adds vasodilatory effect. This combination improves symptoms and survival in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Other options either mainly affect heart rate or contractility without providing the same vasodilation and neurohormonal suppression, or they block RAAS without the bradykinin-mediated vasodilation.