[Clinical and hemodynamic effects of captopril in patients with chronic circulatory failure]

The effect of a new drug, captopril, an inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, were examined in 15 patients with chronic circulatory insufficiency in the presence of coronary heart disease. The efficiency of single doses and four-week courses of the drug was assessed. Captopril was shown to reduce significantly pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure and total peripheral resistance and increase the minute volume, thus improving left-ventricular function. Considering good tolerance of the drug, it can be recommended for the treatment of chronic circulatory insufficiency.