captopril

[Jim]

I recently had an echo as a follow up for a myocardial Infraction I had three years ago. It showed an ejection fraction of 30-35%. It also showed mild diastolic dysfunction. I have been taking 12.5 mg of captopril 3 times a day. My doctor increased my dosage to 25mg 3 times a day. I beleive this is the first times diastolic dysfuction has been on an echo I've had. Is this why the doctor increased the captopril? What will this increase do?

                                              Thank you,
                                               James

[WJS]

Why don't you ask your doctor about some of the newer ACE inhibitors like AltAce or Zestril.

They are proven effective against cardiomyopathy, may be easier to tolerate, and may be effective in lower doses.

I am personally a believer in ALTACE after taking it for three months.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Your doctor increased the ACE inhibitor dose because of the low ejection fraction. The increased does will hopefully help strenghten your heart muscle and improve the ejection fraction. The diastolic dysfunction was probably there previously, but not commented upon.

[Jim]

Doc. I got the dosage wrong on the question about the captopril. I'm taking 25mg 3 times a day and was increased to 50mg 3 times a day.

James