Effect of candesartan treatment on left ventricular remodeling after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

In hypertension, angiotensin receptor blockers can augment regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. It is not known whether this also is the case after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS). To test the hypothesis that treatment with candesartan in addition to conventional treatment is able to augment LV and left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling in patients with AS undergoing AVR, we studied 114 patients scheduled for AVR. Patients were randomized to treatment with candesartan 32 mg 1 time/day or conventional therapy immediately after AVR. Patients were followed with echocardiographic evaluations 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Primary end point was change in LV mass index. At baseline and during follow-up no differences in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures were seen between groups. Baseline LV mass index was 134 ± 41 g/m² with no difference between groups. Mean decrease in LV mass index in the control group was 12 ± 28 g/m² compared to 30 ± 40 g/m² in the candesartan group (p = 0.015) during follow-up. After 12 months LV mass index was significantly lower in the candesartan group (103 ± 29 vs 119 ± 31 g/m², p = 0.01). In addition, the candesartan group had greater improvement in longitudinal LV systolic function assessed by tissue Doppler S′ wave (0.6 ± 0.1-cm/s increase in control group vs 1.4 ± 0.1 cm/s in candesartan group, p = 0.01, p for trend = 0.02) and a decrease in LA volume (p for trend = 0.01). Treatment had no effect on diastolic E/e′ ratio or B-type natriuretic peptide. In conclusion, angiotensin receptor blockade with candesartan after AVR in patients with AS is associated with augmented reverse LV and LA remodeling compared to conventional management.