Key result
Ramipril linked to increased LAA filling and emptying velocities in hypertensive patients.
Why the study?
The effect of ramipril therapy on left atrial appendage function in patients with systemic hypertension in sinus rhythm was not established.
Does ramipril improve left atrial appendage function in patients with untreated systemic hypertension and normal left ventricular systolic function in sinus rhythm?
Observational (n=20)
Does ramipril improve left atrial appendage function in patients with untreated systemic hypertension and normal left ventricular systolic function in sinus rhythm?
Ramipril therapy improves left atrial appendage function and reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients with normal LV systolic function.
Ramipril-associated LAA velocity gains in hypertension are hypothesis-generating; RCTs needed before practice change.
This study investigated whether ramipril treatment has a beneficial effect on left atrial appendage (LAA) function in patients with systemic hypertension in sinus rhythm. Patients with untreated systemic hypertension and normal left ventricular systolic function in sinus rhythm (n = 20; six males/14 females; age 35 - 69 years, mean ± SD 52.8 ± 8.9 years) were evaluated using transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with 5 mg/day ramipril. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly after ramipril therapy. Baseline LAA emptying velocity was below the age-related reference value for this parameter, indicating abnormal LAA function. There were significant increases in the LAA filling and emptying velocities after ramipril treatment. It is concluded that the decrease in blood pressure and haemodynamic improvements brought about by ramipril therapy resulted in improved LAA function in hypertensive patients with normal left ventricular systolic function in sinus rhythm.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Asker et al. (2011) conducted an observational in Systemic hypertension in sinus rhythm (n=20). Ramipril vs. Baseline (pre-treatment) was evaluated on Left atrial appendage (LAA) filling and emptying velocities. Ramipril therapy (5 mg/day for 6 months) significantly increased left atrial appendage filling and emptying velocities in hypertensive patients with normal left ventricular systolic function.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: