SAVE trial

2231 patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <= 40%) were randomised to:

• oral captopril
• placebo

Randomisation to drug or placebo took place 3-16 days post-MI (mean 11 days).

The SAVE trial demonstrated that:

• captopril reduced mortality from all causes (20% vs. 25%)
• captopril reduced mortality attributed to cardiovascular events (21% reduction in risk)

The investigators concluded that long-term therapy with captopril is indicated in patients who have left ventricular dysfunction post-myocardial infarction.

Reference:

• (1) Pfeffer, MA. et al. (1992). Effect of captopril on mortality and morbidity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. N. Engl. J. Med. 327(10), 669-77.