The haemodynamic effects of losartan after right ventricle infarct in young pigs

The effect of an intravenous bolus injection of the type 1 angiotensin II r eceptor antagonist, losartan on haemodynamics after right heart infarct was studied in an experimental setting. Right heart infarct was induced in twe lve young swine and losartan was given in a bolus intravenous dose one hr l ater to five animals, while seven animals served as controls. Haemodynamics were then followed for one hr at 15 min. intervals. Losartan was subsequen tly shown to decrease central venous pressure and wedge pressure, while car diac output, left ventricle stroke work and stroke volume all showed improv ement. Compared to the control animals, pulmonary vascular resistance, syst emic vascular resistance and systemic pressures were unaffected by the drug , as was heart rate. The use of losartan shortly after right heart infarct reduced both right and left heart preload as well as inducing an improvemen t in cardiac performance. At the same time, systemic pressures and heart ra te were maintained. We conclude that an inhibition of angiotensin II action may be a benefit in the treatment of right heart failure symptoms during t he first hours after right heart infarct.