Key Points
- This study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of valsartan, an AT1-receptor antagonist, on left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling in dogs with heart failure.
- 30 dogs with moderate heart failure induced by intracoronary microembolizations were studied.
- After a 2-week recovery, dogs were randomized to low-dose valsartan (400 mg), high-dose valsartan (800 mg), or control for 3 months.
- Parameters including ejection fraction and ventricular volumes were measured before and after treatment.
- In untreated dogs, ejection fraction decreased from 37% to 29% (P=0.001), and both end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes increased significantly (ESV: P<0.001; EDV: P=0.001).
- Low-dose valsartan maintained ejection fraction (~38%) but did not prevent increase in EDV.
- High-dose valsartan led to a further decrease in ejection fraction to 31% (P=0.02) and did not effectively prevent volume changes.
Structured PICO
Does valsartan improve progression of left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling in dogs with moderate heart failure?
PPopulation30 dogs with moderate heart failure (LV ejection fraction 30-40%) produced by multiple sequential intracoronary microembolizations.
IInterventionOral valsartan for 3 months at low-dose (400 mg twice daily, n=10) or high-dose (800 mg twice daily, n=10).
CComparatorNo treatment (control, n=10).
OOutcomeProgression of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and remodeling (LV ejection fraction, end-systolic volume, end-diastolic volume).surrogate
In a canine model of moderate heart failure, early long-term therapy with valsartan decreased preload and afterload but had limited benefits in attenuating LV dysfunction and remodeling, with high doses showing no benefit over control.