[ACE inhibition: mechanisms of cardioprotection in heart hypertrophy]

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have revealed that in arterial hypertension left ventricular hypertrophy is an important risk factor for cardiac failure. Accordingly antihypertensive therapy should aim at preventing or regressing left ventricular hypertrophy. Reduction of blood pressure does not necessarily induce reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy. Vasodilators like hydralazine and minoxidil, which lead to augmented plasma levels of norepinephrine, were not able to diminish left ventricular hypertrophy. In contrast, a sympatholytic therapy with methyldopa caused a reversal of left ventricular muscle mass. These experimental findings in spontaneously hypertensive rats led to the hypothesis that catecholamines control the onset and progression of myocardial hypertrophy mostly independent of blood pressure. This hypothesis was supported by the experimental findings, that subhypertensive dosages of norepinephrine induce left ventricular hypertrophy and that this hormone promotes alpha-receptor mediated growth of isolated myocytes. Recent studies have revealed that also the renin-angiotension-system has trophic effect on the myocardium. Clinical investigations have documented regression of cardiac hypertrophy due to antihypertensive therapy with sympatholytic drugs, ACE-inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers and beta-receptor blockers. Diuretics failed to decrease left ventricular muscle mass along with blood pressure normalization.