Ramipril an ACE inhibitor does not benefit Maine Coons with HCM without congestive heart failure

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Maine Coon photo copyright Helmi Flick
Maine Coon photo copyright Helmi Flick. This is very much a 'normal' Maine Coon not bred to extreme.

Introduction

  • I am not a veterinarian
  • I am good at research
  • I am good at understanding medical/scientific studies
  • I can summarise them into plain English
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Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for "Angiotensin-converting enzyme". ACE inhibitors such as Ramipril are medications that help relax the veins and arteries to lower blood pressure. 

Key point: ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in the body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. 

Alternative names for Ramipril include: Lopace, Ramipril, Triapin, Triapin Mite, Tritace (British Heart Foundation).

The study I am referring to is: The Effect of Ramipril on Left Ventricular Mass, Myocardial Fibrosis, Diastolic Function, and Plasma Neurohormones in Maine Coon Cats with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy without Heart Failure. Link to study abstract: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb00707.x

The conclusion of the scientists was that "Treatment of Maine Coon cats with HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) without CHF (congestive heart failure) with Ramipril did not change LV (left ventricular) mass, improve diastolic function, alter DE (delayed enhancement), or alter plasma BNP (blood pressure, plasma) or aldosterone concentrations in a relevant manner."

Layperson's language: Ramipril is ineffective in treating HCM in Maine Coon cats.

Number and type of cats in the study: "26 Maine Coon and Maine Coon cross-bred cats with familial HCM but without CHF."

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