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Effects of 12 weeks of ramipril treatment on the quality of life in patients with moderate congestive heart failure: Results of a placebo-controlled trial

  • Heart Failure
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Summary

The assessment of quality of life (QoL) has become recognized as an important tool for evaluating heart failure therapy. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril (mean dose 8 mg) was evaluated in 223 patients with moderate chronic congestive heart failure at 24 centers in 4 Nordic countries following a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design. The follow-up period was 12 weeks. QoL was evaluated using a questionnaire with 47 items, including the disease-specific Severe Heart Failure Questionnaire, the Sleep Dysfunction Scale, and the Psychological General Well-Being Index. In both treatment groups the total score increased from baseline to 12 weeks for both the Severe Heart Failure Questionnaire and for the Psychological Well-Being Index, reflecting relief of symptoms and improved well-being. However, no significant differences between the placebo and ramipril groups could be detected. Only a trend toward improvement in sleep on ramipril compared with placebo therapy was observed. In conclusion, in this placebo-controlled trial no significant effects of 12-week ramipril treatment of QoL could be demonstrated in patients with moderate congestive heart failure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiology Division, Medical Department, Aust-Agder Central Hospital, 4800, Arendal, Norway

    Torstein Gundersen

  2. Cardiology Division, Medical Department, Östra Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden

    Karl Swedberg

  3. Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark

    Ole Amtorp

  4. Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland

    Jouko Remes

  5. Cardiovascular Medicine, Astra Hässle AB, Mölndal, Sweden

    Ingela Wiklund & Berit Nilsson

Authors
  1. Torstein Gundersen
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  2. Ingela Wiklund
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  3. Karl Swedberg
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  4. Ole Amtorp
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  5. Jouko Remes
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  6. Berit Nilsson
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Gundersen, T., Wiklund, I., Swedberg, K. et al. Effects of 12 weeks of ramipril treatment on the quality of life in patients with moderate congestive heart failure: Results of a placebo-controlled trial. Cardiovasc Drug Ther 9, 589–594 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00878091

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00878091

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