Improvement of diastolic function after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Objective: To evaluate the diastolic function after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, in mild to moderate hypertension treated with angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor and, if necessary, with a diuretic.

Methods: Ninety-eight hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and abnormal left ventricle diastolic function indexes received captopril (Capotena) 50 to 200 mg/day plus chlortalidone during 12 months to reach blood pressure control, defined as a diastolic blood pressure < or =90 and systolic blood pressure < or =140 mm Hg. Left ventricular (LV) mass index was calculated by M mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, and left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by transmitral pulsed Doppler ultrasound every 3 months.