[The effect of captopril on lipid peroxidation in patients with myocardial infarct complicated by acute left ventricular failure].

Overall fifty-five patients with myocardial infarction were examined. Activation of free radical oxidation of lipids and decrease in activity of enzymes of the antioxidant defence were especially pronounced in those patients with myocardial infarction presenting with acute left ventricular failure. Captopril administered by 6.25 mg daily increasing the dose to 37.5 mg a day over 2-3 days improves parameters characterizing central and cardiohemodynamics and has a beneficial effect on lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant effect of captopril is believed to be due to increase in enzymes of bodily antioxidant defense, such as glutathioneperoxidaze, glutathionereductaze, and elevation in blood levels of vitamin E and reduced glutathione.