심부전증 환자에서 Valsartan과 Ramipril의 임상적 효과 비교

Background and Objectives: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) has emerged as an alternative to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) for the treatment of heart failure. This study aimed at comparing the effectiveness and safety of valsartan with ramipril in patients with heart failure, and these patients were hospitalized at Chonnam National University Hospital, Wonkwang University Hospital, Gunsan Medical Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University Hospital and Gwangju Christian Hospital. Subjects and Methods: Between March 2005 and March 2007, 82 patients (60.5±12.4 years, 59 males) who complained of class II to IV dyspnea, according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, and who had low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50% were randomly allocated to valsartan or ramipril. After 6 months, the clinical symptoms, vital signs, biochemical tests and echocardiography were compared between the two groups. Results: The NYHA class was improved in both groups (the valsartan group: 2.31±0.51 vs. 1.46±0.58, p