{"id":8979,"date":"2020-02-19T13:00:21","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T18:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8979"},"modified":"2025-07-02T17:00:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T21:00:10","slug":"ace-inhibitors-vs-beta-blockers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ace-inhibitors-vs-beta-blockers\/","title":{"rendered":"ACE inhibitors vs. beta blockers: Which blood pressure medication is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seventy-five million American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension)<\/a>, but only <\/span>54%<\/span><\/a> of them have their levels under control. Fortunately for a condition as common as high blood pressure, there\u2019s a variety of medications that can help. Among them are ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, which most doctors will prescribe before any other type of medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are symptomless, like many people with high blood pressure are, a doctor will probably try an ACE inhibitor first. If your high blood pressure is accompanied by chest pain or anxiety, a beta blocker could be a better option. Doctors may even prescribe both types of medications at the same time under certain circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best blood pressure medication for you? Use this guide to compare ACE inhibitors vs. beta blockers to prepare for your next doctor\u2019s visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How do ACE inhibitors and beta blockers work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors) dilate blood vessels and decrease blood volume, which lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow to the heart. To do so, ACE inhibitors<\/a> block the angiotensin-converting enzyme from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II\u2014a hormone that constricts blood vessels. By blocking the hormone, a person’s blood pressure is lowered.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACE inhibitors are most commonly prescribed by doctors to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They can also help reduce the risk of fatalities after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).<\/span><\/p>\n

Beta blockers<\/a> (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) block the effects of stress hormones that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. These hormones include norepinephrine and epinephrine (also called <\/span>adrenaline<\/span><\/a>). Blocking these hormones allows blood vessels to relax and dilate. In turn, beta blockers can slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beta blockers can treat high blood pressure along with other hmnealth conditions like congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, and chest pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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ACE inhibitors vs. beta blockers<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nACE inhibitors<\/b><\/td>\nBeta blockers<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Health conditions treated<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Coronary artery disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chronic kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Abnormal heart rhythms<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Migraines<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Tachycardia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Commonly prescribed medications<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n
Common side effects<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dry cough\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Constipation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Trouble sleeping\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Some can cause weight gain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Dangerous for pregnant women and can cause birth defects<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Raises potassium levels and can cause hyperkalemia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Dangerous for pregnant women and can cause birth defects<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Some can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interactions<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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