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The importance of lost minerals in heart failure
Kevin P Newman1, Matthew T Neal, Matthew Roberts
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 920 Madison Ave., Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. KNewman@utmem.edu
Insights
Congestive heart failure (CHF) involves a salt-avid state and systemic illness. Mineral dyshomeostasis, particularly of Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn, and Se, significantly impacts CHF progression and associated oxidative stress and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is linked to a salt-avid state driven by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
- Chronic RAAS activation causes systemic illness, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and catabolism (cardiac cachexia).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mineral dyshomeostasis (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn, Se) in the progression of CHF.
- To explore the impact of mineral imbalances on oxidative stress, antioxidant defenses, inflammation, and tissue wasting in CHF.
- To assess the potential of nutraceuticals in managing CHF.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature on the pathophysiology of CHF, focusing on hormonal and pharmacologic factors influencing mineral balance.
- Analysis of the relationship between mineral dyshomeostasis and key features of CHF, such as oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Exploration of the potential therapeutic role of nutraceuticals in CHF management.
Main Results:
- Mineral dyshomeostasis (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn, Se) is an underappreciated factor in the systemic and progressive nature of CHF.
- Hormonal factors (aldosteronism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypovitaminosis D) and medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors) contribute to mineral loss.
- Imbalances in these minerals exacerbate oxidative stress, impair antioxidant defenses, promote inflammation, and contribute to tissue wasting.
Conclusions:
- Mineral dyshomeostasis is a critical factor in CHF pathogenesis and progression.
- Addressing mineral imbalances through nutritional interventions or nutraceuticals may complement pharmaceutical treatments for CHF.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of minerals and the efficacy of nutraceuticals in CHF management.
Abstract:
The clinical syndrome congestive heart failure (CHF) has its origins rooted in a salt-avid state mediated largely by effector hormones of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In addition, a systemic illness accompanies chronic RAAS activation. Its features include: the presence of oxidative stress in diverse tissues coupled with a reduction in activity of endogenous oxidoreductases, such as Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and Se-glutathione peroxidase; a proinflammatory phenotype with activated immune cells and increased circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines; and a catabolic state with loss of soft tissues and bone that eventuates in a wasting syndrome termed cardiac cachexia. Pathogenic mechanisms and pathophysiologic expressions of this illness are under active investigation. In this context and less well appreciated is the importance of a dyshomeostasis of various minerals, including Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn, and Se, and their impact on the systemic and progressive nature of CHF. A convergence of multiple factors, some hormonal (e.g., aldosteronism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypovitaminosis D), others pharmacologic (e.g., loop diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), predispose to the heightened excretion of these minerals in urine and feces while parathyroid hormone promotes intracellular Ca2+ overloading in diverse tissues. The importance of these macro- and micronutrients to the appearance of oxidative stress, compromised antioxidant defenses, an immunostimulatory state and tissue wasting needs to be critically addressed. So, too, must the potential for nutriceuticals, complementary to today's pharmaceuticals, to assist in the overall management of CHF.
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