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Updated: May 25, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Effect of ramipril therapy on abnormal left atrial appendage function.
M Asker1, O B Timucin, S Asker
1Department of Cardiology, Van Higher Education Hospital, Edremit, Van, Turkey.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|February 1, 2012
Summary
Ramipril treatment improved left atrial appendage (LAA) function in patients with systemic hypertension. This blood pressure medication enhanced LAA filling and emptying velocities, benefiting heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic hypertension is common and can affect cardiac function.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) function is crucial for preventing thromboembolism.
- Hypertensive patients often exhibit impaired LAA function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of ramipril on LAA function in patients with systemic hypertension.
- To assess changes in LAA filling and emptying velocities after ramipril therapy.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 20 patients with untreated hypertension and normal left ventricular systolic function.
- Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography were used for evaluation.
- Patients received 5 mg/day ramipril for 6 months.
Main Results:
- Ramipril significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
- Baseline LAA emptying velocity was below age-related reference values, indicating dysfunction.
- Significant increases in LAA filling and emptying velocities were observed post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ramipril therapy improves LAA function in hypertensive patients.
- Blood pressure reduction and hemodynamic improvements contribute to enhanced LAA function.
- Ramipril offers a beneficial effect on cardiac hemodynamics in this patient group.
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