Lisinopril

/laɪˈsɪnəprɪl/ noun

Definition

An ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. It's commonly prescribed for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic kidney protection.

Etymology

From 'lisin-' (derived from lysine, an amino acid) + '-opril', the standard suffix for ACE inhibitors. Developed in the 1980s as a long-acting ACE inhibitor that could be taken once daily, improving patient compliance.

Kelly Says

Lisinopril blocks the same enzyme that's targeted by snake venom, but in a good way! The discovery of ACE inhibitors came from studying Brazilian pit viper venom, which drops blood pressure by blocking angiotensin conversion - scientists turned this deadly effect into a life-saving medication.

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