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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:24
Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
Published on: April 8, 2013
Treatment of asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction
A S al-Khadra1, M A Konstam, D N Salem
1Department of Medicine, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, MA 02111.
Comprehensive Therapy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Long-term use of ACE inhibitors in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction prevents congestive heart failure (CHF) progression and hospitalizations. These inhibitors also reduce mortality, particularly in those with recent myocardial infarction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is a precursor to overt congestive heart failure (CHF).
- The role of long-term treatment in preventing CHF progression and improving outcomes in these patients requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in asymptomatic patients with LV systolic dysfunction.
- To determine if ACE inhibitors prevent the progression to overt CHF and reduce hospitalizations.
- To assess the impact of ACE inhibitors on mortality in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of results from the SOLVD prevention trial and the SAVE trial.
- Inclusion of asymptomatic patients with LV systolic dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Long-term ACE inhibitor treatment prevented progression to overt CHF.
- Hospitalizations for CHF were reduced in patients receiving ACE inhibitors.
- ACE inhibitors demonstrated a reduction in mortality in specific patient subsets, including those with recent myocardial infarction.
Conclusions:
- ACE inhibitors are effective in preventing CHF progression and reducing hospitalizations in asymptomatic patients with LV systolic dysfunction.
- Long-term ACE inhibitor therapy improves survival in certain high-risk groups, such as post-myocardial infarction patients.
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