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Effect of verapamil in elderly patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as a cause of congestive heart

M J Hung1, W J Cherng, L T Kuo

  • 1Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|February 8, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Verapamil improved congestive heart failure (CHF) and exercise tolerance in elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction. This treatment enhanced left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, offering a potential therapeutic benefit.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Elderly patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function often experience diastolic dysfunction, leading to congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Assessing and improving LV diastolic function is crucial for managing CHF in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of verapamil on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in elderly patients with CHF.
  • To determine if verapamil improves clinical symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 15 elderly patients with CHF (NYHA class II-III) and normal LV systolic function.
  • Verapamil (120 mg daily) or placebo was administered for three months, with a one-week washout period.
  • Assessments included congestive heart failure (CHF) score, treadmill exercise test, and Doppler echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Verapamil significantly improved CHF scores and increased exercise time compared to placebo.
  • Doppler echocardiography revealed significant improvements in LV diastolic function with verapamil, including increased mitral A wave duration/pulmonary venous atrial systolic reversal duration and decreased isovolumic relaxation time.
  • Verapamil did not alter blood pressure, heart rate, LV ejection fraction, LV mass, or cardiac output.

Conclusions:

  • Three months of verapamil treatment can effectively improve congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms, enhance exercise tolerance, and improve left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in elderly patients.
  • Verapamil is a potential therapeutic option for elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction contributing to CHF.

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