13th International Congress
THE "NEW FRONTIERS"
OF ARRHYTHMIAS 1998

January 24-31, 1998
Marilleva, Trento, Italy

RT-155

Myocardial remodeling in hypertensive patients. The role of converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers in reducing ventricular arrhythmia

Pablo I. Altieri, Robert González, Nelson Escobales, María Crespo, Héctor Banch.
Department of Medicine and Physiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus, USA

Introduction

Myocardial and vascular remodeling in hypertensive patients is an extremely important process which at present is a mayor component of the research being done in the cardiovascular field. This is because not intervening in this process will increase the morbidity and mortality of the hypertensive patient.

It is our intention to discuss our work in this field giving emphasis in the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. We think angiotensin II is a crucial hormone in this process. We will discuss our data in the initial remodeling process which is hypertrophy of the left ventricle and its progression to dilatation of the chamber.

Also, we will discuss the importance of the remodeling process changes included by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptors blockers in the reduction of ventricular arrhythmias. These changes will reduce the incidence of sudden death in the hypertensive cardiovascular patients.