Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on mitral regurgitation severity, left ventricular size, and functional capacity

Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a progressive disorder that leads to left ventricular (LV) dilatation and dysfunction. Previous small studies have shown conflicting results regarding the benefits of afterload reduction for MR. Methods We assessed by serial echocardiography the effects of ramipril on MR severity and LV size by a number of quantitative methods in 26 asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe MR at baseline and again after 6 months of ramipril treatment. We also evaluated exercise capacity, neurohormonal levels, and the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure score. Results Despite a significant reduction in blood pressure with ramipril, there was no change in MR severity. MR severity, as assessed by effective regurgitant orifice area, was reduced in individuals with baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) >= 140 mm Hg (55.1 +/- 26 vs 37.4 +/- 35.4 mm(2), P = .03), but not in individuals with SBP <140 mm Hg (39.7 +/- 37.7 vs 46.1 +/- 34.1 mm(2), P = not significant). Neither LV cavity size, exercise capacity, nor the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure score exhibited a significant change. Conclusions Patients with MR do not experience significant changes in MR severity, LV size, or functional status after 6 months of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. However, patients with SBP >= 140 mm Hg represent a subgroup that shows reduction in MR. These data are consistent with current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, which reserve the use of afterload reduction for MR patients with systemic hypertension or LV dysfunction.