1031-32 Felodipine Versus Enalapril in Heart Failure: Results on Peak Oxygen Consumption, Holter Recordings Hemodynamics, Neurohormones, and Quality of Life

Felodipine (FEL) is a vasoselective dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that has shown promising results in smaller congestive heart failure (CHF) studies. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are the cornerstone of CHF therapy, but many patients can not be treated with these drugs because of side effects or contraindications. We compared the effects of FEL. 10mg b.Ld., and enalapril (ENA), 10mg b.Ld., in a double blind, parallel study in 50 patients with CHF. At baseline and after 16 weeks treatment cardiopulmonary exercise test, neurohormone sampling, Holter recording and quality of life questionaires were assessed.