Effect of enalapril on mortality in congestive heart failure. Follow-up survival data from the CONSENSUS trial

The CONSENSUS trial, which compared the effects of enalapril and placebo on survival in severe heart failure, had a limited blinded treatment period. Follow-up for 8.5 months from the end of blinded therapy was performed. Enalapril therapy was encouraged in all patients during follow-up. Of the 135 surviving patients, 58 had previously been allocated placebo and 77 had been allocated enalapril. The follow-up mortality rates in those receiving enalapril were 18 (31%) and 16 (21%), respectively. Mortality was markedly lower in patients treated with enalapril than in those not started on the drug (16% vs 61%). The follow-up data strongly support the original CONSENSUS data regarding reduction of mortality in severe heart failure after the addition of enalapril.