A 3-month double-blind cross-over study of the effect of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide on functional class in symptomatic mild heart failure.
The non-sulfhydryl selective angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril (20 mg daily) was compared with hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg daily) in post-infarction (6-24 months) patients with symptomatic (NYHA functional class 2) mild heart failure. No concomitant drug therapy was given. The study had a double-blind cross-over design with 3-month treatment periods. Both drugs were well tolerated, and both caused a similar reduction in systolic blood pressure. Heart rate was higher with the diuretic. Benazepril improved the NYHA functional class in 17 out of 29 (59%) patients, whereas one patient improved with hydrochlorothiazide (P = 0.0004). With regard to global efficacy score, benazepril was also superior. Thus, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be superior to diuretics as first-choice therapy in symptomatic mild heart failure.
Nordrehaug
J E
JE
Medical Department, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.
Omsjø
I H
IH
Vollset
S E
SE
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D001552:Benzazepines; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; C044946:benazepril