Related Experiment Videos

Converting enzyme inhibition in coronary artery disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with benazepril

P Thürmann1, H J Odenthal, N Rietbrock

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Clinic Frankfurt, F.R.G.

Insights

Benazepril, a converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI), showed no significant anti-ischemic effect in patients with coronary artery disease. While plasma renin activity increased, exercise-induced ST-segment depression and angina symptoms did not improve.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
  • Converting enzyme inhibitors (CEIs) are used to manage cardiovascular conditions.
  • The anti-ischemic potential of CEIs in normotensive patients with CAD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-ischemic efficacy of benazepril in normotensive patients with coronary artery disease.
  • To assess the effects of benazepril on exercise-induced ischemia and anginal symptoms.
  • To investigate the impact of benazepril on plasma renin activity (PRA) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with intraindividual crossover was conducted.
  • 11 normotensive patients with angiographically proven CAD participated.
  • Bicycle ergometry, 24-h ambulatory ECG, and measurements of PRA and ANP were performed before and after 2-week treatment periods with placebo and benazepril.

Main Results:

  • Benazepril did not significantly reduce maximal exercise-induced ST-segment depression (2.09 mm vs. 1.91 mm).
  • The systolic blood pressure/heart rate product at maximum workload remained unchanged.
  • No significant reduction in anginal attacks or ischemic episodes was observed; however, six patients showed improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Benazepril (10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks) demonstrated no significant anti-ischemic action in normotensive patients with CAD based on exercise testing.
  • Benazepril significantly increased plasma renin activity but did not alter atrial natriuretic peptide levels.
  • Further research may be needed to explore potential benefits in specific patient subgroups.

Related Concept Videos