ACE inhibitors reduce which hormones?

• A. Angiotensin II
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Both Angiotensin II and Aldosterone
• D. None

Answer: (C)

ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. With less angiotensin II around, the adrenal cortex receives less stimulus to release aldosterone. So the drug decreases levels of both hormones: angiotensin II directly, and aldosterone indirectly through the reduced angiotensin II signaling. This dual reduction helps lower blood pressure by reducing vasoconstriction and decreasing sodium reabsorption driven by aldosterone.