ACE inhibitors and regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common condition and a powerful independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and other cardiac morbidity. It is associated with the male sex and advancing age. Its most common cause is hypertension, and many antihypertensive agents induce regression of LVH. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to reverse LVH by a mechanism as yet unknown. Reduction in afterload and other hemodynamic abnormalities by reduction of blood pressure is clearly a factor, but ACE inhibitors also block adrenergic action and other sympathetic nervous system influences, and the reduction in angiotensin II produces many effects. By inhibiting this potent vasoconstrictor and suppressing its degradation of the powerful vasodilator bradykinin, and by promoting sodium and water excretion, ACE inhibitors contribute to the restoration of normal ventricular function. Angiotensin II promotes protein synthesis in myocardial myocytes, and blocking this action may arrest the hypertrophic process. To determine the effect of angiotensin II on LVH and normalization of LV function, a study is now underway evaluating the effects of lisinopril, a new lysine analog of enalapril, and a diuretic agent in the treatment of hypertension LVH.