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Because angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) inhibit angiotensin II activity more completely than do angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, it's reasonable to wonder whether ARBs are better than ACE inhibitors for some indications. Researchers compared these 2 drug classes in this international, randomized, double-blind study of nearly 15,000 patients who had myocardial infarction (within 10 days before enrollment) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean ejection fraction, 35%). The maker of the ARB valsartan (Diovan) supported the study.
Patients received valsartan (up to 160 mg twice daily), captopril (up to 50 mg 3 times daily), or both drugs. After a median follow-up of 25 months, no significant differences were noted between …