Study of Losartan Medication to Help Heart Recovery After Valve Surgery in Adults with Severe Aortic Regurgitation

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether losartan, a common blood pressure medication, can help the heart recover better after aortic valve replacement surgery in patients with severe aortic regurgitation. This condition causes the aortic valve to leak, making the heart work harder and enlarge. While doctors often use heart failure medications after valve surgery, their effects in valve disease patients have not been studied, and this trial seeks to fill that gap. The study is a pilot, randomized, double-blind trial involving 60 patients who have undergone aortic valve replacement surgery for severe aortic regurgitation. Participants are randomly assigned to take either losartan 50 mg daily or a placebo. The trial lasts for one year, with assessments before surgery and at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery. Treatments are given daily, and the trial compares heart recovery between the two groups. During the study, patients will have blood tests measuring NT-proBNP, which indicates heart strain, echocardiograms to check heart size and function, 6-minute walk tests to assess physical capacity, and quality of life surveys. Kidney function and electrolyte levels will also be monitored to watch for potential medication side effects. The main measure is the change in NT-proBNP levels within the first 3 months after surgery, and all patients will be followed for one year to observe heart remodeling and overall health outcomes.

Effect of Losartan on the Neurohumoral Axis and Ventricular Remodeling of Patients With Severe Aortic Regurgitation Undergoing Valve Surgery.