Which of the following medications is an example of an ACE inhibitor?

Captopril is an example of an ACE inhibitor, which stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. By inhibiting this conversion, ACE inhibitors help to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow. Captopril is primarily used to manage hypertension and heart failure.

The other medications listed, while important in cardiovascular management, belong to different classes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which functions by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that prevents angiotensin II from binding to its receptors, indirectly affecting blood pressure but through a different mechanism than ACE inhibitors. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and the heart's workload. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective pharmacological treatment in various cardiovascular conditions.