Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and the Progression of Congestive Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Concomitant ACEI with chronic tachycardia reduced LV chamber dilation and improved myocyte contractile function and beta-adrenergic responsiveness. Contributory cellular and extracellular mechanisms for the beneficial effects of ACEI in this model of dilated cardiomyopathy included a normalization of beta-adrenergic receptor function and enhanced myocardial collagen support. The results from this study provide evidence that ACEI during the development of cardiomyopathic disease provided beneficial effects on LV myocyte contractile processes and myocardial structure.