Influence of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Genotype on Lung Diffusion in Heart Failure
Influence of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Genotype on Lung Diffusion in Heart Failure
In patients with chronic heart failure ACE-inhibitor treatment improves lung diffusion and
 prevents pulmonary edema after fluid overload. In the western country, 3 population types of
 ACE genotypes exist (DD, ID, II). It is unknown whether the ACE genotype influences the
 response to fluid overload in ACE-inhibitor treated chronic heart failure patients.
Patients with chronic heart failure in stable clinical condition treated with ACE-inhibitors,
 but not aspirin, will be evaluated by means of maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and lung
 function including lung diffusion measurements. These tests will be done before and after
 rapid 500 ml isotonic saline infusion. Patients will be grouped according to their ACE
 genotype.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I and II heart failure

 -  Chronic ACE-inhibitor treatment

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Aspirin treatment in the previous 2 months