Electrophysiologic Changes in the Human Heart Produced by Enalaprilat (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor).

Abstract

Several trials have showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors possess some extent of antiarrhythmic properties. To evaluate the effects of Enalaprilat on His bundle recording, patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiogram due to angina pectoris and a positive thallium exercise test subsequently underwent His bundle electrogram. A double-blind crossover protocol was used with conduction velocity measurements at baseline and after saline (placebo) and Enalaprilat 2.5 mg intravenously. There were no significant changes in heart rate (64 plus minus 9 versus 65 plus minus 11 versus 65 plus minus to beats min(minus sign1)) at baseline, after saline and enalaprilat infusion, respectively, mean blood pressure (97 plus minus 11 versus 94 plus minus 10 versus 94 plus minus 7 mm Hg, respectively), atrioventricular conduction time (100 plus minus 20 versus 100 plus minus versus 100 plus minus 20 versus 100 plus minus ms), and His--Purkinje (HV) conduction time (40 plus minus 12 versus 40 plus minus 13 versus 40 plus minus 12 ms). Ventricular activity duration was 110 plus minus 11 ms at baseline, 110 plus minus 10 ms after saline infusion (p = NS), and 88 plus minus 13 ms after Enalaprilat administration (p < 0.001). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition appears to produce significant reduction in ventricular activity duration (increase in intraventricular conduction velocity).