The clinical effects of vasopressin receptor antagonists in heart failure
1Divison of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. m-gheorghiade@northwestern.edu
Abstract:
The neurohormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a promising target in the treatment of heart failure because AVP promotes congestion and hyponatremia, each of which is associated with poor outcomes. Diuretics are standard therapy for heart failure, but they have several limitations, including worsening renal function and hyponatremia. Blocking AVP leads to effective aquaresis, improvements in hemodynamics and renal function parameters, weight loss, and normalization of serum sodium, without changes in blood pressure or heart rate. In placebo-controlled trials in the inpatient and outpatient setting, the AVP receptor antagonist tolvaptan reduced body weight and edema and normalized serum sodium in patients with heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
