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Shocking side effect of blood pressure medication sent woman to ER
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Lily, an Illinois woman, experienced severe lip swelling due to angioedema caused by lisinopril, a blood pressure medication she had been taking for 10 years, highlighting a rare but serious side effect of ACE inhibitors.
- Angioedema from ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can occur months or years after starting the medication, causing rapid, potentially life-threatening swelling around the mouth and airway.
- Although only 0.1-0.7% of the 40 million Americans on ACE inhibitors develop angioedema, the reaction is more common in Black patients and those over 65, and accounts for 20-40% of angioedema-related ER visits.
- Treatment involves stopping the medication and administering steroids and allergy medications, but 40% of patients may experience recurrent episodes within a month, sometimes requiring intensive care.
- Lily emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for facial swelling and will no longer take lisinopril, instead carrying emergency medications like an Epipen and steroids.
