Hemodynamic effects of the acute administration of captopril in refractory chronic congestive heart failure. Study of 13 patients and review of the literature

: We examined the acute hemodynamic response to Captopril, an oral converting enzyme inhibitor, in 13 patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) refractory to conventional therapy, including other vasodilators. Captopril was administered in four increasing doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg. The cardiac index (Cl) increased significantly (average +22%) in patients with high plasma renin activity (PRA). Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP) considerably decreased in all patients. A moderate decrease in systemic arterial pressure (SAP) was also observed. The heart rate (HR) did not change. Peak effect occurred 90 minutes after administration for the Cl, 30 to 120 minutes for PADP and SAP. The drug was well tolerated. This study confirms the acute beneficial hemodynamic effects of Captopril in patients with CHF refractory to conventional therapy. The possible mechanisms are discussed and the literature is reviewed.