Effects of Cilazapril on Blood Pressure, Cardiac Hypertrophy and Left Ventricular Functions

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cilazapril on blood pressure (BP), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and LV systolic and diastolic functions in patients with mild to moderate hypertension and echocardiographically confirmed LVH. Previously untreated 10 male and 16 female patients, aged between 42-64 years (mean 56±4) were given cilazapril 2.5-5 mg once daily for 6 months. BP and heart rate were evaluated monthly, while ECG, chest x-ray, blood chemistry and M-mode, 2D, color-coded Doppler echocardiograms were evaluated before treatment and on the 1,2,3 rd and 6th months of therapy. Seventeen patients (64 %) needed 5 mg/day cilazapril for BP control. Cilazapril treatment reduced resting systolic and diastolic BP (p<0.05). LV mass index also decreased significantly (173±24 vs 136±18, p<0.01). The deceleration time of mitral peak early velocity, isovolumic relaxation time and E: A ratio reduced significantly after cilazapril treatment (p<0.05). Side effecs such as palpitation (2), cough (3) and facial edema (2) were observed in 7 (27 %) patients and cessation of therapy was necessary in 2 (7 %). In conclusion, long-term antihypertensive therapy with cilazapril controls blood pressure, concamitantly brings about LVH regression and improvement in diastolic function in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.