Franz I-W, Tonnesmann U, Muller JFM
Time course of complete regression of left ventricular
hypertrophy during long-term anti-hypertensive therapy with ACE
-inhibitors
12th Annual ASH Meeting
Am J Hypertens
(Apr) 10:25A 1997
Introduction. Treatment of hypertension, especially with ACE-
inhibitors,
has been shown repeatedly to lead to diminution of cardiac mass. The
maximum possible regression of LVH, and how long it takes to do this are
not known.
What was done. 21 previously untreated hypertensive patients with
echocardiographic LVH were treated with 10 or 20 mg of quinapril.
Echos and ABPM were repeated 6 monthly for nearly 4 years.
Although most normalization of LV dimensions and diastolic function were
seen in the first 6 months, further improvement was seen as much as 3
years later. At this stage complete regression of LVH was achieved in
90.5%, a normalisation of atrial size in 85.7% and in diastolic function
(E/A)in 71.4% of the patients.
Comment: This is a very interesting observational study. However,
there is no control group: going into a study like this leads to changes
in many other parameters besides those due solely to quinapril. If
confirmed in a more structured experimental design, the results suggest
that a 1 year trial of therapy is inadequate if regression of LVH is our
goal.
(Robert Foley, M.D., (University of Newfoundland, St. John's,
Canada)
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12th Annual ASH Meeting
H: Pathophysiology :
Heart in hypertension
H: Drug therapy :
ACE inhibitors