What Is Vasotec Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is Vasotec used for?" Vasotec is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure (CHF). Sometimes, a healthcare professional may also recommend that Vasotec be used for treating other medical conditions (such as kidney problems in patients with scleroderma).

What Is Vasotec Used For?

Vasotec® (enalapril) has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These Vasotec uses include:
 
High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, for example 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Vasotec has been shown in clinical studies to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of Vasotec, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Vasotec can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Vasotec is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Left Ventricular Dysfunction
A heart attack or other chronic condition can damage the left side of the heart and cause it to pump blood less efficiently. This is called left ventricular dysfunction. With left ventricular dysfunction, a person does not necessarily experience symptoms; however, it often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF).
 
In people with left ventricular dysfunction, taking Vasotec on a daily basis can decrease the chances of developing CHF symptoms by as much as 32 percent and decrease the chance of being hospitalized for CHF.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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