Efficacy of captopril in relieving congestive heart failure developing during management of hypertension. Case report.

A 20-year-old woman presented with malignant hypertension, pulmonary edema, anemia, and azotemia. Blood pressure was adequately controlled only after progressively more intensive drug regimens, finally including minoxidil, nadolol, and furosemide. On these drugs, the patient developed progressive left and right heart failure, anasarca, and malnutrition. The control of hypertension, heart failure, and fluid retention, was accomplished by administration of captopril and furosemide. Captopril is a logical alternative to vasodilators in refractory hypertension complicated by congestive heart failure.