Osie asked
My blood pressure now 120/80. I am taking Lisinopril. Do I have to stop it?
At a glance
- Lisinopril has effects in addition to lowering blood pressure, such as kidney-protection in certain individuals.
- You shouldn't discontinue lisinopril without consulting with your doctor first, even if your blood pressure is 'normal'.
Answer
While it is possible that you may be able to lower your dose or stop lisinopril (brand name Zestril) altogether over time, it is important not to do so until speaking with your doctor as there are many factors to consider.
You mention that your blood pressure is currently well-controlled, at 120/80 mmHg. However, this may be due to the lisinopril, and decreasing your dose or stopping could cause it to spike again. Remember that blood pressure medication doesn't cause a permanent drop in blood pressure but merely controls it while taking.
Non-medication therapies could, of course, be contributing to your lower blood pressure to the point where medication is not necessary, but again, you should discuss this with your doctor. Non-medication therapies include:
- Weight loss
- Healthy diet
- Decreases alcohol intake
- Exercise
Something else to consider is that the ACE-Inhibitor class of medications (of which lisinopril is a part of) are thought to possess cardioprotective effects, independent of blood pressure-lowering. For example, even in individuals who do not have high blood pressure, lisinopril may be recommended for those with:
- High risk for heart failure
- Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
- Post-myocardial infarction (i.e. heart attack)
- Diabetes
Be sure to discuss your situation with your doctor so you can be appropriately evaluated and to determine if discontinuing lisinopril is an option for you.
About Lisinopril
Lisinopril is an 'angiotensin-converting enzyme' (ACE) inhibitor used for a variety of indications, including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Post-myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Diabetic nephropathy
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, which also affects a variety of other cardiovascular, renal and adrenal functions in the body.
Lisinopril has a dosage range of 10-80 mg and is typically dosed once daily, in the morning or evening. It may be taken with or without food.
Aside from lisinopril, there are numerous other drugs in the ACE-Inhibitor class and selection of a particular agent depends on a variety of factors including:
- Onset and duration of action
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Indications
Other ACE-Inhibitors include:
- Capoten (Captopril)
- Vasotec (Enalapril)
- Monopril (Fosinopril)
- Univasc (Moexipril)
- Aceon (Perindopril)
- Accupril (Quinapril)
- Altace (Ramipril)
- Mavik (Trandolapril)
Congratulations on your lower blood pressure numbers and as mentioned above, discuss your medication options with the doctor prior to making any changes.
References
- 2009 Focused Update Incorporated Into the ACC/AHA 2005 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure in Adults. AHA Journals
- Should an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor be standard therapy for patients with atherosclerotic disease? ScienceDirect
- Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure. NIH
