Captopril in the management of heart failure

ABSTRACT

Seven patients in advanced refractory cardiac failure of different origin were given captopril in addition to the standard antifailure drug for varying periods. They were subjected to clinical examination and relevant lab investigation at weekly intervals. The objective being to identify the type of cases most likely to benefit from this drug and to asses if clinical and lab parameters suffice in monitoring patients on this form of therapy. The cases which responded most [functional class IV to F.C. II] were those of low out put failures. Those suffering from corpulmonale' in which a state of vasodilation already existed, showed only limited response [from FC-IV to FC-III only] as the reduction of aldosterone was the only mechanism left for captopril to act. The clinical and lab parameters used in the study were adequate in monitoring both efficacy of the drug, as well as the early detection of side effects making the use of haemodynamic studies optional both in the selection and management of cases for this type of therapy