What is Zestril?
Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which blood is pumped around your body. When a blood pressure reading is taken there are two numbers involved. The first number (the systolic pressure) shows the force with which your heart is pumping blood around your body. The second number (the diastolic pressure) shows the resistance in your blood vessels as the blood flows into them.
If your heart is pumping blood into narrow blood vessels, there will be more pressure in the vessels than if they were wide and the blood could move easily through them. This is known as high blood pressure, meaning that the blood faces a high level of pressure (or resistance) as it tries to move around the body.
If high blood pressure is left untreated it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
High blood pressure is linked to lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking alcohol and being inactive. There are also some medical causes such as lupus, underactive thyroid and diabetes.
Zestril is a tablet that is taken once a day. It can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated complications.
How does Zestril work?
Zestril contains an active ingredient called lisinopril,which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Angiotensins can cause blood vessels to become narrow and restricted, and this makes it difficult for blood to flow through them freely.
Lisinopril relaxes and widens blood vessels so that it’s easier for blood to be pumped into them. This widening decreases blood pressure and makes your heart’s job easier.
What doses of Zestril are there?
Zestril is available in three dosage sizes: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Your clinician will decide which dose is best for you. Most people start on a lower dose which is increased until the right dose is found.