Cardiovascular System MCAT Practice Question
A 45-year-old man with a 10-year history of hypertension is started on lisinopril 10 mg daily. His baseline blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg and serum creatinine is 1.0 mg/dL. Two weeks later, his blood pressure improves to 138/84 mmHg. Which of the following best explains the primary mechanism by which ACE inhibition reduces blood pressure in this patient?
Answer choices
- ADecreased angiotensin II production, leading to reduced vasoconstriction and decreased aldosterone-mediated sodium reabsorptionCorrect answer
- BIncreased bradykinin levels, causing direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and enhanced vasodilation
- CInhibition of renin release through negative feedback, resulting in decreased angiotensinogen activation
- DEnhanced conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin III, which is a weaker vasoconstrictor than angiotensin II
- EStimulation of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion by reduced renal perfusion pressure
- FPrevention of aldosterone degradation, leading to increased sodium excretion and reduced blood volume
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