[Changes in peripheral hemodynamics and platelet aggregation during captopril treatment of patients with chronic...

A total of 18 patients with chronic congestive heart failure were examined using an acute pharmacological test (25-50 mg of captopril) and during 2-week course treatment. A marked positive effect of the drug was noted in 15 (83.3%) patients. Captopril significantly decreased venous tone by 19.0 +/- 2.4% and by 40.4 +/- 4.1% and regional vascular resistance by 25.7 +/- 1.9% and by 39.4 +/- 2.9% in the acute test and in course treatment, respectively. Microcirculatory indices also improved: there was an increase in tissue oxygenation (PO2 by 38.8 +/- 2.7%), oxygen supply rate and small arteriolar function (more pronounced in course treatment). Platelet aggregation in the captopril acute test was slightly decreased but in course treatment it did not significantly differ from the initial one. A conclusion was made that captopril, mostly in course treatment, decreased venular and arteriolar tone and improved microcirculatory processes making an insignificant effect on platelet aggregation permitting its recommendation for prolonged treatment of patients with chronic congestive heart failure with minimum risk of complications.