1. Take it Straight, But Know the Facts
Prinivil, generically available as Lisinopril, is an ACE inhibitor prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Doctors also recommend it for improving your survival rate following a heart attack. Available in oral tablets, dosing amounts vary depending on your personal health issues. Your first dose may cause a drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness. Take it at the same time each day, and don't take it with antacids, as they interfere with the absorption. The regular does ranges from 5 to 40 milligrams, but most patients, unless prescribed for heart failure, take 5 milligrams first and gradually adjust the dose according to their body's need.
2. Loose the Extra, Add the Life
Take Prinivil as your doctor recommends, but make some lifestyle changes to incorporate exercise. This burns extra calories, increases your metabolism and improves your overall health. Incorporate both cardiovascular exercise, as well as light muscle strength training. You could join a gym to get all of these, but if you are creative, you can find ways other than spending money at the gym. For cardio work take a brisk walk or dance to your favorite CD or MP3. You can get your weight training in by taking your grandchildren a couple of times a week. They are sure to give your upper body a great workout. With a little effort, you may loose the weight, and even loose the need of blood pressure medicines, such as Prinivil, as well.
3. Eat Right for Better Control
Don't just take Prinivil without making the necessary food choice changes to lower blood pressure as well. One reason why most doctors ask you to lower your salt intake is that most American diets have the potassium/sodium scales tipped the wrong way. Our body is designed to work on more potassium than sodium, but the processed foods we tend to live on are so high in sodium that the little amount of potassium we get from the banana on our processed breakfast cereal is not enough. Make the switch to fresh fruits and vegetables. Toss out the boxes and bags of processed grains and breads and have some fresh greens including spinach. Top these with some salmon salad and you get the benefit of some heart healthy oils to boot. The American Heart Association recommends getting foods high in potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein, and foods low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Cut the hydrogenated oils, MSG and other food additives as well. Make an effort to eliminate processed foods from your diet and your heart will reap the benefits.
4. Ask the Doctor
Talk to your doctor about all the questions and concerns you have before starting a program of Prinivil. You might want to even look it up in a drug encyclopedia before going to your appointment. This enables you to talk intelligently with your doctor. Make sure your doctor answers every one of your questions before you take the prescription. Go over possible interactions with other medications you are taking and possible contraindications. For instance, Prinivil is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breast feeding a child. If you are or plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about other high blood pressure treatment options available to you.
