Doctors On Call

Lotrel – a killer combination against hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure is without a shadow of doubt, the most dangerous medical condition today. It is more widespread and affects more people on the face of the planet than any other condition. In fact, it is estimated that over a billion people around the world are suffering from hypertension. This is, in most cases primary hypertension which is not caused by any particular medical condition, but by lifestyle of the patient. There are many factors and contributors that increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and we will try to cover the most important and basic ones. For one, obesity is most probably the biggest contributor to hypertension as the risks of developing hypertension grow proportionally to the excess amounts of body fat. Sedentary lifestyle is also a major contributor to hypertension as too little physical activity can also contribute to developing high blood pressure. Unhealthy diet, i.e. salty foods, fatty foods, precooked meals and other such foods are also a cause of hypertension. Smoking, alcohol intake and stress are also major contributors to hypertension. Some people can therefore prevent hypertension or lower their blood pressure by making lifestyle changes, but there are those who need to be treated by hypertension medications, such as calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Well, Lotrel is a combination of two, a medication that combines amlodpopine, which is a calcium channel blocker and benazepril which is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor. As a combination, Lotrel is much more effective in lowering the blood pressure, but on the other hand, it can cause more side effects than individual hypertension medications. However, for some people, the efficacy of Lotrel outweighs the potential risks of a Lotrel treatment.

Basic facts on the Lotrel treatment

Before you can safely start using Lotrel, your doctor needs to make sure that you are going to benefit from this treatment and that your health will not be harmed by this powerful combination. If you are allergic to any of the medications that go into this combination, you will most likely be unable to use Lotrel. Also, your dosage will need to be adjusted and your progress closely monitored if you suffer from any severe kidney or liver diseases, heart diseases, diabetes or if you are undergoing a low-salt diet. Lotrel is never prescribed to pregnant women as it can cause serious birth defects or even death of the fetus. You should check with your doctor about any other side effects that you might experience while taking Lotrel, as well as about any interactions between Lotrel and other medications, especially those that affect the levels of potassium in your blood.

However, if you take Lotrel in accordance to the prescription and if you take all the necessary precautions, you should experience a very beneficial treatment that is going to lower your blood pressure like no other drug can.