Physical activity of patients with chronic heart failure during treatment with fixed combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide

Physical activity was studied in 74 outpatients with chronic NYHA class II-IV heart failure during treatment with capozide - fixed dose combination pills containing captopril (50 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg). Methods of investigation included general clinical examination, electro- and echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, and assessment of quality of life. Capozide (1 or 0,5 pills) was given for 1,5 years. Treatment resulted in decrease of clinical signs of decompensation and gradual improvement of physical activity which occurred even in class IV patients. The latter was evidenced by increase of the distance walked in 6 minutes. Six-minute walk test can be used for evaluation of physical activity of patients and its dynamics during therapy.