Which drug class should be avoided in hereditary angioedema due to risk of angioedema?

Which drug class should be avoided in hereditary angioedema due to risk of angioedema?

• A. ARBs
• B. Beta blockers
• C. ACE inhibitors
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (C)

Hereditary angioedema is driven by excess bradykinin, which makes blood vessels leak and causes swelling. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that normally breaks down bradykinin, so bradykinin levels rise even more. In someone with hereditary angioedema, this can trigger or worsen swelling and can be dangerous in places like the airway. That’s why this drug class should be avoided. Other options, like ARBs, don’t increase bradykinin and are not associated with the same bradykinin-driven risk.

Hereditary angioedema is driven by excess bradykinin, which makes blood vessels leak and causes swelling. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that normally breaks down bradykinin, so bradykinin levels rise even more. In someone with hereditary angioedema, this can trigger or worsen swelling and can be dangerous in places like the airway. That’s why this drug class should be avoided. Other options, like ARBs, don’t increase bradykinin and are not associated with the same bradykinin-driven risk.