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Effect of enalapril on left ventricular mass and performance in essential hypertension

A M Grandi1, A Venco, F Barzizza

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, IRCCS, Policlinico San Matteo, Italy.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Enalapril significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) mass and improved diastolic function in hypertensive patients. This antihypertensive treatment led to LV hypertrophy regression without impairing systolic function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Hypertension often leads to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, a risk factor for cardiovascular events.
  • Understanding the impact of antihypertensive medications on LV structure and function is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of enalapril on left ventricular (LV) morphology and diastolic function in hypertensive patients.
  • To assess changes in LV mass, dimensions, and systolic and diastolic performance following enalapril treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 12 hypertensive patients treated with enalapril (20 or 40 mg daily) for 4 months.
  • M-mode digitized echocardiograms were used to evaluate LV morphology and function before and after treatment.
  • Measurements included LV mass, wall thickness, diameter, and indices of systolic and diastolic function.

Main Results:

  • Enalapril effectively reduced arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance without altering cardiac output or heart rate.
  • A significant decrease in LV mass was observed, attributed to reduced septal and posterior wall thickness.
  • LV diastolic function, indicated by peak lengthening rate, significantly improved, while systolic function remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • Antihypertensive therapy with enalapril promotes regression of LV hypertrophy in hypertensive patients.
  • Enalapril treatment improves LV diastolic performance without negatively impacting LV systolic function.
  • The findings suggest enalapril is beneficial for managing hypertensive heart disease.

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