Congestive Heart Failure Channel
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Zestril
Zestril is commonly used to control high blood pressure, treat heart failure, and improve survival following a heart attack. It blocks an enzyme in the body that normally causes blood vessels to narrow. As a result, Zestril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. The drug comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Before starting this medication, let your doctor know if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Zestril® (lisinopril) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
It is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Some uses for Zestril include the following:
- Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Treating congestive heart failure
- Improving survival following a heart attack.
Zestril has also been approved as a treatment for high blood pressure in children 6 years of age and older. However, it is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.
(Click Zestril Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Zestril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Zestril helps to block the actions of this enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Zestril causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
By helping blood vessels relax, Zestril also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD