The Clinical Effects of Perindopril(Acertil(R)) on Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND: Perindopril. a new second-generation angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor developed by Servier Research, was administered in essential hypertensive patients in order to observe the clinical effects. METHOD: The changes of blood pressure, heart rate, quality of life, clinical laboratory examinations, side effects, electrocardiogram and echocardiographic left ventricular mass were evaluated before and after 4-12mg of perindopril 12 weeks' administration in 25 essential hypertensive patients(mild 10, moderate 8, severe 5, very severe 2 : male 7, female 18 ; mean age 53.1+/-8.9 years). RESULT: 1) After treatment with perindopril alone, blood pressures were lowered markedly in 17(68%), moderately in 5(20%) and mildly in 2(8%) cases. The average of blood pressures of 25 subjects were systolic 173.1+/-22.8mmHg and diastolic 105.9+/-9.5mmHg before treatment, which were lowered to 125.2+/-14.9mmHg and 83.2+/-9.0mmHg respectively after 12 weeks(p<0.0001). 2) Quality of Life improved markedly in 11(44%) and slightly in 9(36%) cases after perindopril administration. 3) On electrocardiographic follow-up study, three out of five left ventricular hypertrophy with strain, seven out of 13 left ventricular hypertrophy, two out of three ST segment and T wave change and two sinus tachycardia were improved. Echocardiographic left ventricular mass was reduced significantly form 249.4+/-72.7g to 202.9 56.3g after 12 weeks perindopril treatment(p<0.0001). 4) Side effects were 5 cases of dry cough and 3 facial flushing. 5) Final Assessment of perindopril effect including hypotensive effect, quality of life, left ventricular mass regression and side effect showed very useful in 16(64%) and useful in 6(24%) out of 25 subjects. CONCLUSION: Perindopril may be an effective initial single antihypertensive agent for the treatment of varying degree of hypertension, especially with left ventricular hypertrophy.

Predictors of Successful Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in Multivessel Disease

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was initially applied in patients with proximal, discrete, single vessel disease, but complex multivessel PTCA has become feasible with increased operator experience and instrumental development. The authors analyzed the predictive factors concerning the success rate of multivessel PTCA. METHODS: To evaluate the predictive factors of the successful PTCA in multivessel disease, clinical and angiographic findings of 39 patients (male 31, female 8, age 58.4 9.9) with 84 multiple lesions, who admitted to Chonnam National University Hospital between January 1991 and December 1992, were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall success rate of 84 attempted lesions was 92.9%. Success rate of old aged group 65 years or older was 89.5% and that of below 65 years was 93.8%. Success rate in acute myocardial infarction was 80% and significantly lower than those of old myocardial infarction, unstable and stable angina. Success rate of AHA type C lesion was 75.0% and significantly lower than those of type A(100%), type B1(96.7%) and type B2(95.2%). Success rate according to target vessels was not significantly different. Angiographic findings including calcification, lesion length, angulation, TIMI flow grade, left ventricular function and left ventricular aneurysm didn't affect the success rate of multivessel PTCA significantly. CONCLUSION: Overall success rate of multivessel PTCA was 92.9%. The negative predictive factors affecting the success rate of multivessel PTCA were the acute myocardial infarction out of clinical factors and the AHA type C lesion out of angiographic factors.