Animal models of chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure is associated with multiple pathophysiological alterations and adaptations, such as marked anatomic and biochemical changes of the myocardium, left ventricular dysfunction and dilatation, increased systemic vascular resistance, and activation of neurohumoral and cytokine systems. The use of animal models has provided a new insight into the complex pathogenesis of this syndrome and supplemented clinical experience. However, all of the animal models used have advantages and limitations, and the transfer from experimental to human heart failure needs critical evaluation. The current review will focus upon new aspects of rat and rabbit models of heart failure.