Effect of Enalapril on Left Ventricular Diameters and Exercise Capacity in Asymptomatic or Mildly Symptomatic Patients with Regurgitation Secondary to Mitral Valve Prolapse or Rheumatic Heart Disease

The effects of 12 months of therapy were evaluated in 47 mildly symptomatic patients with moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation; 26 patients received enalapril and 21 received a placebo. Enalapril was associated with a significant reduction in left ventricular diameter and mitral regurgitation volume, with no evidence of change in systolic function indexes. However, enalapril did not hinder progressive aerobic impairment to effort.