Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
ACE is important because it is an enzyme responsible for producing the
chemical, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes muscles in most arteries,
including the arteries of the heart, to contract, thereby narrowing the arteries
and elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril lower blood
pressure by reducing the production of angiotensin II, thereby relaxing arterial
muscle and enlarging arteries. When the blood pressure is lower, the heart -
including the failing heart - does not have to work as hard to pump blood. The
arteries supplying the heart with blood also enlarge during treatment with ACE
inhibitors. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, further
improving the ability of the heart to pump blood.
The effects of ACE inhibitors are particularly beneficial to people with
congestive heart failure. In the kidneys, the narrowing of the arteries by
angiotensin II decreases blood flow and damages the kidneys. ACE inhibitors
enlarge and reduce the blood pressure in the arteries going to the kidney. This
reduces damage to the kidneys caused by the high blood pressure. The FDA
approved lisinopril in December 1987.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablet: 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg
STORAGE: Lisinopril should be stored in a dry place at 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lisinopril is used to treat elevated blood pressure, heart
failure and to improve survival after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Like other ACE inhibitors it is also used for preventing kidney failure due to
high blood pressure or diabetes even though it is not FDA approved for this use.
DOSING: The starting dose of lisinopril is 5 mg daily, and the effective dose
range for treating heart failure is 5-20 mg daily. The dose can be increased by
10 mg every 2 weeks to achieve the maximum effect.
The starting dose of lisinopril for treating high blood pressure is 10 mg
daily. The usual dose range is 20-40 mg daily. A dose of 80 mg is not much more
effective than 40 mg.
Treatment of heart attack (myocardial infarction) is started with individual
doses of 5 mg followed by 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours and then 10
mg daily. Treatment is continued for 6 weeks.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: In general, lisinopril should not be taken with potassium
supplements or diuretics that conserve potassium, for example,
hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene (Dyazide), since blood potassium levels may rise
to dangerous levels.
There have been reports of increased lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) levels when
lithium is used in combination with ACE inhibitors. The reason for this
interaction is not known.
There have been reports that aspirin and other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren,
Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, and many others), indomethacin (Indocin,
Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the
effects of ACE inhibitors.
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure are from sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones. Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary
artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical
instability of the heart.
Heart failure is caused by many conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and conditions that overwork the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include congested lungs, fluid and water retention, dizziness, fatigue and weakness, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Heart attacks are the major causes of unexpected, sudden death among men and women. A heart attack is also a significant cause of heart failure. Learn the risk factors for heart attack such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Lowering your risk factor, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication are the most effective way of preventing a heart attack.
In the United States diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure and high levels of blood glucose increase the risk that a person with diabetes will eventually progress to kidney failure. Kidney disease in people with diabetes develops over the course of many years. albumin and eGFR are two key markers for kidney disease in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood pressure, blood pressure medications, a moderate protein diet, and compliant management of blood glucose can slow the progression of kidney disease. For those patients who's kidneys eventually fail, dialysis or kidney transplantation is the only option.
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen,causing injury to the heart muscle. Injury to the heart muscle causes chest pain
and chest pressure sensation. If blood flow is not restored to the heart muscle within 20 to 40 minutes, irreversible death of the heart muscle will begin to occur. Muscle continues to
die for six to eight hours at which time the heart attack usually is "complete." The dead heart muscle is eventually replaced by scar tissue.
Approximately one million Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Four hundred thousand of them die as a result of their heart attack.
Heart RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the