A 3-month double-blind cross-over study of the effect of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide on functional class in symptomatic mild heart failure.

Author(s): Nordrehaug JE, Omsjo IH, Vollset SE

Affiliation(s): Medical Department, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.

Publication date & source: 1992-06, J Intern Med., 231(6):589-94.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

The non-sulfhydryl selective angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril (20 mg daily) was compared with hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg daily) in post-infarction (6-24 months) patients with symptomatic (NYHA functional class 2) mild heart failure. No concomitant drug therapy was given. The study had a double-blind cross-over design with 3-month treatment periods. Both drugs were well tolerated, and both caused a similar reduction in systolic blood pressure. Heart rate was higher with the diuretic. Benazepril improved the NYHA functional class in 17 out of 29 (59%) patients, whereas one patient improved with hydrochlorothiazide (P = 0.0004). With regard to global efficacy score, benazepril was also superior. Thus, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be superior to diuretics as first-choice therapy in symptomatic mild heart failure.