Which type of medication prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a specific class of medications that work by blocking the action of the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I, an inactive precursor, into angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By inhibiting this conversion, ACE inhibitors reduce the levels of angiotensin II in the body, which leads to several beneficial effects. These include vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), decreased blood pressure, and a reduction in cardiovascular workload. This mechanism is particularly useful in treating conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.

The other options represent different classes of medications that do not directly influence the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Beta blockers primarily work by reducing heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxed blood vessels and decreased blood pressure. Potassium-sparing diuretics help the body retain potassium while promoting the excretion of water and sodium, but they do not have a direct effect on the renin-angiotensin system.