Haemodynamic Effects of Captopril in Acute Left Ventricular Failure Complicating Myocardial Infarction

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system in acute myocardial infarction may have important haemodynamic consequences. The effects of captopril were assessed in nine patients with acute left ventricular failure complicating myocardial infarction. Plasma angiotensin II was elevated at 16.8 (3.6) pmol/1 (mean [SE]) including high levels in three of four patients in the absence of any previous therapy, including diuretics. Repeated low doses of captopril were administered to reduce pulmonary capillary wedge pressure