Captopril improves hemodynamic response to static exercise in patients with congestive heart failure: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial

Abstract

Systemic and peripheral hemodynamic response to isometric exercise by handgrip test at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 3 minutes was assessed in 16 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) after short‐term treatment with either captopril or placebo given according to a double‐blind, randomized, crossover sequence. During placebo, isometric exercise increased blood pressure (BP) and total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) and decreased cardiac index (CI). Captopril reduced the pressor response to exercise (mean±SD) (% systolic: from 14.7±6 to 11.7±3; p