Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is known to be effective in the prevention of left ventricular failure (LVF) after acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an ACEI, Cilazapril, on left ventricular remodeling in patients with ischemic LVF, who underwent coronary interventions.

Cilazapril, 2.5 - 5.0 mg per day was administ-ered 12 weeks after coronary interventions in 25 patients (18 M, 7 F, 61.5±9 years) with impaired LV function (ejection fraction≤ 50%). Fifteen patients (9 M, 6 F, 59.4±7 years) without ACEI were compared by clinical examinations, blood chemistry, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram with Cilzapril group at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after intervention.

Blood pressure and heart rate were not changed after Cilazapril. LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) decreased from 153.1±38.7 to 135.6±25.5 ml and end-systolic volume from 84.9±34.7 to 72.6±25.1 ml after 12-week Cilazapril p=0.003, p=0.001. Ejection fraction (EF) was increased from 44.4±3.2 to 52.4±2.8% after 12 weeks of Cilazapril p=0.034. In control group, LVEDV was changed from 152.7±44.6 to 143.6±28.7 ml, which failed to show significant reduction. Side effects of Cilazapril were 3 dry cough (3/25, 12%) and 1 facial edema, 1 hypotension and 1 dizziness.

Cilazapril is a beneficial adjunctive therapeutic agent in patients with ischemic left ventricular failure for the prevention of ventricular dilatation, especially after coronary intervention.