[Influence of ACE inhibitor spirapril on left ventricular hypertrophy].
BACKGROUND
In view of the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension, (15-30%), with an increased risk (2-4 x) of developing myocardial infarction, heart failure or malignant arrhythmia, possibly even leading to sudden cardiac death, effective reversal of LVH is a major aim of treatment. For this purpose, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have proved to be most suitable.


METHODS
In an open bicentric study involving 37 hypertensive patients with LVH confirmed by echocardiography, the effect of spirapril in reversing the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and diastolic left ventricular wall thickness was investigated after 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
The LVMI decreased by 14.7% after 3, and by 27.3% after 6 months, irrespective of whether spirapril was given alone or in addition to other antihypertensive pre-medication. The results may be due to the proven 24-hour effect of spirapril in conjunction with the very long half-life.
Arend
U
U
Klinische Pharmakotherapie, Dresden. ute.arend@web.de
Albrecht
S
S
Meisel
E
E
Schmidt
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004452:Echocardiography; D004656:Enalapril / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004656:Enalapril; C052555:spirapril