Captopril is the original blood-pressure-lowering drug of its class, inexpensive and well-understood. Strong evidence shows it improves survival in weakened hearts and after heart attacks and protects the kidneys in diabetes. Claims that it slows aging rest only on animal work. Main drawbacks: a nagging dry cough, dosing two to three times daily, and never during pregnancy. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | ~110–125 / 70–80 mmHg (individualized) | Confirms the primary target and detects over-treatment |
| Serum potassium | 4.0–4.8 mmol/L | Detects hyperkalemia risk from reduced aldosterone |
| Serum creatinine / eGFR | Creatinine within lab normal; eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73m² | Tracks kidney filtration; a stable small rise is acceptable |
| Serum sodium | 137–142 mmol/L | Flags volume depletion that predisposes to hypotension and kidney injury |
| Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio | <10 mg/g | Baseline and follow-up marker of kidney protection in at-risk people |
| Complete blood count | Within normal range | Screens for the rare low-white-cell effect at higher doses |
Cadence: Recheck potassium and creatinine at ~1–2 weeks after starting and after each dose increase, then at ~3 months, then every 6–12 months once stable; blood pressure monitored continuously at home; urine albumin rechecked every 6–12 months in at-risk people.