Felodipine significantly increased exercise duration and improved subjective symptom scores without reflex tachycardia or fluid retention in patients with moderately severe heart failure.
RCT (n=23)
double-blind
randomized
The efficacy of felodipine, a vasodilating calcium antagonist, was analysed in 23 patients with congestive heart failure, New York Heart Association class III, during an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study. After felodipine, exercise duration increased significantly without changes in oxygen consumption. Heart rate, arterial pressures and rate pressure product decreased at similar submaximal exercise levels. Invasive haemodynamics before and after 8 weeks of therapy revealed arterial vasodilation without reflex tachycardia and no significant reduction in right atrial, pulmonary and capillary wedge pressures. Subjective symptom scores improved and side-effects were minor. Fluid retention, as assessed by body weight and ankle circumference did not occur. Felodipine has a beneficial effect in patients with moderately severe heart failure. Further research is necessary to demonstrate its long-term efficacy and safety.
Dunselman et al. (Sat,) conducted a rct in congestive heart failure (n=23). felodipine vs. placebo was evaluated on exercise duration. Felodipine significantly increased exercise duration and improved subjective symptom scores without reflex tachycardia or fluid retention in patients with moderately severe heart failure.
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