EFFECTS OF BENAZEPRIL ON LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELLING AND EXERCISE TOLERANCE IN PATIENTS WITH VALVULAR HEART FAILURE

Objectives To investigate the effects of Benazepril on left ventricular remodelling and exercise tolerance in patients with valvular heart failure (VHF). Methods 60 patients with VHF were divided into group A (the control group, n=28) and group B (Benazepril group, n=32) randomly. The general therapy (digitalis, diuretic agent) was given to group A while Benazepril was added to group B besides general therapy. Before and after 12-month period of treatment, the distance of 6 min walk was tested, and changes of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) were measured by UCG. Results Compared with which of the control group, LVEDD decreased [(53.2±6.1) mm vs (60.8±8.9) mm, p<0.01], LVESD decreased [(44.5±6.9) mm vs (49.2±7.2) mm, p<0.01], LVFS increased [(24.2±5.4)% vs (20.1±4.9)%, p<0.01] and the distance of 6 min walk increased [(430±88.2)m vs (398±75.9)m, p<0.05] in Benazepril group. Conclusions Benazepril could remarkably improve the ventricular remodelling and exercise tolerance of patients with valvular heart failure.