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[Enalapril versus captopril in heart failure--effect on blood pressure and kidney function]

K J Osterziel1, R Dietz

  • 1Innere Medizin III (Schwerpunkt Kardiologie, Angiologie und Pulmologie), Medizinische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg.

Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

This study found that both captopril and enalapril effectively lowered 24-hour blood pressure in heart failure patients. Neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor significantly affected heart rate during treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Heart failure management often involves angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs).
  • Understanding the comparative effects of different ACEIs on blood pressure is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the 24-hour blood pressure effects of captopril and enalapril in patients with heart failure.
  • To assess the impact of these ACEIs on serum electrolytes, creatinine, and plasma renin activity.

Main Methods:

  • 33 patients with heart failure (NYHA II-III) were randomized to receive either captopril or enalapril.
  • 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed before and during ACEI therapy.
  • Serum electrolytes, creatinine, and plasma renin activity were measured at baseline and during treatment.

Main Results:

  • Both captopril and enalapril significantly reduced 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure by day 5.
  • The initial blood pressure lowering effect was comparable between the two ACEIs.
  • Neither ACEI significantly altered heart rate or showed significant differences in their effects on blood pressure and heart rate profiles between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Captopril and enalapril demonstrate similar efficacy in reducing 24-hour blood pressure in heart failure patients.
  • These ACEIs do not significantly impact heart rate in this patient population.
  • Further research may explore long-term effects and other cardiovascular parameters.

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